
(lass |- T9 (a 
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602 



Wild Life 






F A E WEST; 

PERSONAL ADVENTURES 

^P a l|«ilftj J}|ffitttkra gm®. 

COMPRISING 

Hunting and Trapping Adventures with Kit Carson and 

others; Captivity and Life among the Comanehes; 

Services under Doniphan in the War with 

Mexico, and in the Mexican War 

against the French • Desperate 

Combats with Apaches, 

Grizzly Bears, 

etc., etc. 



By Captain JAMES HOBBS, 



OF CALIFORNIA. 



IliLTJSTIiATEnD -WITH XTTJl&tt^lOTrS E1TG-E,A.-VI2TG-S. 
^Published, "by Subscription Only. 



HARTFORD: 
WILEY, WATERMAN & EATOK 

1872. 




A 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1872, by 

WILEY, WATERMAN & EATON, 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



P7VE?? OF 

WILEY, WATERMAN & EATON, 

HARTFORD, CONN. 









INTRODUCTION. 



IN" presenting this work to the public, it is not the 
intention of the publishers to add another to the 
already numerous histories of the parts of country 
which are the scene of the adventures herein recited, 
but to give what the title page promises, an account of 
the personal adventures of the author during a long 
and wild life in the far West. He belongs to that class 
of pioneers and trappers, now become nearly extinct, of 
which the famed Kit Carson, who was for many years 
the companion of the author, has been considered 
the most perfect type. 

In addition to his experiences as a hunter and trapper, 
we have an account of his life as a prisoner among the 
powerful and warlike Comanches, his adventures as a 
trader in Mexico, his services as interpreter and guide, 
under Doniphan, in our war with Mexico, and with 
the Liberals in the Franco-Mexican war as Captain of 
artillery, as well as his experience in mining in the days 
of the "forty-niners" in California, and elsewhere. 

Probably no man living has passed through so varied 
and exciting a life as this one. At times he has seemed 
on the high road to fortune, when by a turn of the 
wheel he would find himself penniless. But in what- 



4 INTRODUCTION. 

ever condition he was, he was always ready to respond 
to any call for aid from the famishing emigrant train 
who were lost on the great plains, or the settlers who 
were in peril from the remorseless cruelty of the 
savages. 

In writing out the incidents of this strangely event- 
ful life, no attempt has been made to put them in glow- 
ing colors, but we have the account in few words. 
There are many incidents and descriptions that occupy 
but part of a page, which could easily have been spread 
over several pages ; but the fact is there. Had as 
many words been used to say as little as there are in 
many books, it would have required several volumes 
the size of this to have contained the account of the 
author's experiences. 

One thing the author wishes distinctly understood ; 
he has in no case ' ' drawn upon his imagination for his 
facts." There are a few incidents given upon what he 
considers reliable information, and they are so desig- 
nated ; but nearly all is from his own experience. As 
he never contemplated the publication of his adven- 
tures, he kept no diary or record of events, but relies 
entirely upon his memory, which prevents his giving 
exact dates in all cases. But this does not affect his 
own acts, and as has been stated, this is not intended 
for a history. 

THE PUBLISHERS. 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



PAGE. 

1. Chromo, Author as a Comanche, - Frontispiece. 

2. Warlike Exercises of Comanches, 27 

3. Comanche Warrior, (Tail-piece,) ----- 31 

4. Comanches Moving, 38 

5. Indian Welcome, (Tail-piece,) 50 

6. Bringing Meat into Camp, 55 

7. Fandango, 63 

8. Indian on Guard, (Tail-piece,) 66 

9. Comic Bull Fight, 79 

10. Indian Scout, Enemies, (Tail-piece,) 100 

11. Combat with Indian Chief, 151 

12. A Horn too much, 157 

13. Monterey and Buena Vista, 161 

14. Matamoras, (Tail-piece,) .-.---- 168 

15. General Taylor, 173 

16. The Greaser's Mistake, 185 

17. Castle of San Juan d' Ulloa, (Tail-piece,) - - - 188 

18. Great Square, Mexico, 197 

19. The Last Arrow, (Tail-piece,) 215 

20. Fatal Encounter with Grizzly Bear, - 229 

21. Rancheros, 269 

22. Execution of Maximilian, 311 

23. Corpus Christi, (Tail-piece,) 312 

24. Playing a Lone Hand, 319 

25. Cavalry Vidette, (Tail-piece,) - - - * - - 356 

26. Mexican Robbers, (Tail-piece,) 374 

27. An Unwelcome Visitor, 389 

28. Mr. Jones in a Deer Trap, 395 

29., Apache Courtesies, (Tail-piece,) - - . - - 411 

30. Hunting the Bear, (Tail-piece,) 438 

31. Comanches Catching Wild Horses, - 461 

32. Lasso Fight with Elk, 473 

33. Novel Barricade, 481 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER I. 

Birth-Place. Death of my Mother. Occupations of my Boy- 
hood. Start out with a Trapping and Trading Company. 
Description of Bent and Savery. Spiebuck and the Shawnees. 
An Attack by Pawnees. Meet a Party of Sacs and Americans. 
Pursue a Buffalo Cow. Captured by Comanches. " Old 
Wolf " and his Suspicions of our Brandy. Four Texans, Pris- 
oners of the Tribe. Savage Watchfulness. A Council to 
Decide our Fate. Fate of Mexicans previously Captured. 
Comanches, their Dress and Habits. Join a War Party against 
the Pawnees. Sad Reflections on passing the Place of my 
Capture. Surprise a Party of Pawnees. " Spotted Fawn " 
given me as a Wife. Marriage Ceremony. Surprise of the 
Indians at sight of Negroes. - - - . - - -17 

CHAPTER II. 

A Raid on Mexicans. Capture of Nathan Martin. Ceremonies 
at the Burial of Warriors. Comanche Worship. The War Party's 
Report to the Chief. Indian Surgery. Winter Occupations. 
Delight of Indians at being Taught the use of a Seine. War 
Party against the Apaches. Winter Sports. Training Young 
Warriors. Winter Occupations of Squaws. Example of the 
Strong Constitution of the Squaws. Use made of Looking- 
Glass by Indians. " Moving " Incidents. Annual Feast. Meet- 
ing with Kit Carson, and a Description of Him. " Old 
Wolf" Declines to Visit Bent's Fort. Plans laid for the Coming 
Year. Encounter with Pawnees. Battle with Sioux. Dancing 
over Scalps. Fight with Crow Indians. Raid into Mexico. 
Escape of Martin. Entertain the Arapahoes and Cheyennes. 
" Old Wolfs " Friends Advise Him to Visit Bent's Fort. June 
Feast with the Cheyennes. Visit Bent's Fort. Batiste and Myself 
Ransomed. Meeting with Old Friends. Peg-Leg Smith and 



o CONTENTS. 

His Characteristics. "Old Wolf" Surprised by a Cannon. Trad- 
ing. Arrangements for Future Meetings. Parting with Spot- 
ted Fawn. The Brown Sisters. 32 

CHAPTER III. 

Habits of Hunters and Trappers at Bent's Fort. Start on a 
Hunting Trip under Lead of Kit Carson. Mclntire's First and 
Last Bear Hunt. Bringing Meat into Camp. Capture an Old 
Crow Squaw. A Crow Chief in our Camp. Arrangements 
made for Trading with the Crows. Return to the Fort and 
start on another Trip. Meet a Number of Traders at Santa Fe. 
Lead a Party to the Relief of Speyers's Train at the Bone Yard. 
Character of Mr. Speyers. Peg-Leg Smith in his Characteristic 
Humor. Attend a Fandango. Jealousy of the Natives. The 
Governor Appealed to. Result of His Joining our Party. 
Gabe Allen. Trouble Between the Governor and Troops from 
Chihuahua. Start with Mr. Speyers for Chihuahua. - - 51 

CHAPTER IV. 

Unsuccessful Attempt of Navajo Indians to Stampede our Ani- 
mals. Dead Man's Plain. Apaches run off a Large Number of 
our Mules. The Pursuit and its Hardships. A mule for Pro- 
vision. Animals Recovered. Return to Camp. Treat our 
Friends to " Mule Venison." Given up for Lost. Handsomely 
Rewarded for our Success. Crossing Dead Man's Plain. Two 
Murdered Mail Carriers. Arrival at the Rio Grande. A Black 
Stump Causes a False Alarm. Shoot a Raider. " No Black 
Stump about That." Spiebuck's Idea of Peace with Apaches. 
Dangerous Ford at Paso del Norte. Spiebuck's Single-handed 
Fight with Apaches. Chihuahua Custom House Officials. At- 
tend the Fair at San Juan. Meet with a party of Comanches. 67 

CHAPTER V. 

James Kirker. An Expedition Planned Against the Apaches un- 
der Contract with the Governor of Chihuahua. The " Bull 
Pen." Pursuit of Apaches. Advance on an Indian Village. 
Plan of Attack. Premature Alarm by a Negro. A General 
Engagement. A Stinging Rebuke to Kirker. The Negro Pun- 
ished for Disobedience. Scalping the Mexican Guide. Discov- 
ery of Ancient Ruins and Rich Mines. Celebrate our Success. 



CONTENTS. 9 

Spiebuck's Idea of Hunting. A Prisoner's Escape from me and 
Spiebuck's Indignation. Arrival and Reception at Chihuahua. 
Turning over the Scalps. Rescued Women and Children 
Turned over to the Authorities. A Dinner and Ball in our 
Honor. Settlement with a Merchant. Spiebuck in War Paint. 
Division of Property. Meet with Old Friends. - - - 81 

CHAPTER VI. 

Decide to Visit the Comanches. Visit Bent's Fort. Mexican 
Thieves on the Way. Dispose of my Spare Mules. Part with 
my Friends and start alone for the Comanches. Troubled by 
Wolves. Manner of Driving them Off. Disappointed. Recep- 
tion by my Old Friends. Distribute my Presents. At Home. 
Comanche Hatred of Texans. " Old Wolf's " Friend on a 
Steamboat. Decide to Return to Mexico. The Chiefs Argu- 
ment to Detain Me. Parting with my Family. News from my 
Father's Family. Part with my Escort and Proceed to Santa 
Fe. Experiences as a Freighter and Trader in Mexico. 
War Declared Between the United States and Mexico. My 
Property Seized for the Mexican Army. Interview with Santa 
Anna. Settle with my Teamsters, Procure a Mexican Costume 
and start for Zacatecas. Go on to Durango. Find Friends in 
Trouble. Take a Letter to Col. Doniphan. A One-Sided 
Horse Trade. Information for Col. Doniphan. The Old Flag. 101 

CHAPTER VII. 

In Danger from my Friends. Interview with the Colonel. Meet 
my Brother and Col. Owens. Volunteer for Duty. Death of 
Col. Owens. Mexican Officers held as Hostages for Friends in 
Durango. March for Chihuahua. Col. Doniphan's Laws. 
Friends in Durango Released. Execution of the Colonel's Laws. 
Meet my Friend of the Horse Trade. 125 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Sent by Col. Doniphan as a Scout. Carry Dispatches to Gov. 
Bent. Quickest Time on Record. Bent's Assassination and 
Price's Retaliation. Sent with Dispatches to Fremont. Return 
to Chihuahua. The Regiment Ordered to Saltillo. Appointed 
Interpreter for the Quartermaster. Mexican Thieves and their 
Fate. The Regiment Provided For. Death and Burial of Cap- 



10 CONTENTS. 

tain Reid. A Mexican "Well. Indian Cruelty. Fight with In- 
dians. Lose my Favorite Horse. Liberate Several Captives. 
An Indian Trophy. The Regiment Entertained by Mr. Evarro. 
Johnny Murphy's Big Drink. Reception of Gen. Wool. Bat- 
tle Ground of Buena Vista. - - - . - - - 137 

CHAPTER IX. 

Turning over Commissary Stores, &c, to Gen. Taylor. Interview 
with the General. The Regiment Reviewed by Gen. Taylor. 
The Regiment starts for Home. Mexican Guerrillas. Texan 
Rangers. Released Guerrillas Shot by the Infuriated Regi- 
ment. The Battle Ground of Resaca de la Palma. Animals 
sent to Missouri with an Escort. Reception of the Regiment 
at New Orleans. A Masquerade Ball. - - - - - 160 

CHAPTER X. 

Parting Speech of Col. Doniphan. Complimented Personally by 
the Colonel. Liberal Present from the Quartermaster. Depar- 
ture of the Regiment for Home. Visit to my Uncle. Arrival 
and Reception of Gen. Taylor at New Orleans. Sent in Charge 
of a Vessel to Gen. Worth at Vera Cruz. Trouble with the 
Captain. Breaking Mules. - - . - - - -169 

CHAPTER XI. 

Peace Declared. Appointed Head Wagon Master of a Train for 
Mexico. Interview with Gen. Twiggs. Start for Mexico. Bat- 
tle Field of Cerro Gordo. Arrival at the City of Mexico. In- 
terview with Gen. Worth. Evacuation of Mexico. Encamp 
near Vera Cruz. A Texan Ranger Sentenced to Death for an 
Act of Self-Defense. Gen. Twiggs and the Rangers. Visit to 
the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa. ... - . - 177 

CHAPTER XII. 

Description of Vera Cruz. Take a Train from Vera Cruz to Mex- 
ico. The Castle of Perote. Volcanoes of Orizaba and Popo- 
catepetl. The Publanos. The Museum at Mexico. The 
" Trioya Horse." Church of the Virgin Mary. The Arches of 
Water. St. Patrick's Guard. Montezuma's Stone Almanac. 
Earthquakes. Engagement with an English Mining Company. 
Adroitness of Mexican Thieves. Experience in Blasting. An 



CONTENTS. 11 

Explosion. Success in Mining. An Unsuccessful Mining Ven- 
ture. Extensive Mines of the English Company. - 189 

CHAPTER XIII. 

An Attack of Gold Fever. Start for California. Aguas Cali- 
entes. The Mayos and Yaguis. Villa Del Fuerte. Strange 
food of the Mayos. Relieve Several Cholera Patients. Grati- 
tude of the Tribe. Ceres Indians. Embark in a Cattle Specu- 
lation. Find Water in Tracking Thieves. Fort Yuma and an 
Outrageous Ferry Company. Retribution by Outraged In- 
dians. 205 '' 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Indians 1 First Sight of a Steamboat. Crossing a Desert Sixty 
Miles Wide. Loss of an Emigrant Train. A Mexican Mur- 
dered by Dave Brown. Arrive at El Monte and Divide our 
Stock. Fate of Dave Brown. Hire a Man to take my Stock 
to San Jose. Meet with Gabe Allen and Peg-Leg Smith. 
Dispose of my Cattle at San Francisco. Organize a Mining 
Party and go to Camp Sonora. An Attempt at Blackmailing. 
A Mining Government Organized. Return to San Francisco, 
and my Party Leave for Mexico. Quicksilver Mine and Soda ^ 
Spring. Visit to Relatives. A Hunting Expedition. Aid a 
Friend in Catching a Thief. Narrow Escape from a Grizzly. 
Sad Fate of One of our Party. 216 

CHAPTER XV. 

Engage as Interpreter in the Land Commissioner's Office at San 
Francisco. Mission Dolores and a Fraudulent Attempt to Ob- 
tain the Title to the Land. A Vigilance Committee. Suicide 
of Yankee Sullivan. A Well Organized City. Judge Jenkins 
and my Mining Experience with Him. Practicing Medicine. 
Trial as a Quack. Meet with Placa de Vega and Romero. The 
Condition of Mexico at this Time. An Uprising. Gen. Lan- 
berg. Appointed Captain. Collect Assessments. A Priest 
Brought to Terms. Gen. Garcia Morales comes to our Assist- 
ance. Preparing for Active Service. Placed in Command of 
the Artillery. 229 



12 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XV. 

We Unite with Romero at Mocarito. Our Ambuscade Re- 
vealed by the Barking of a Dog. Engagement with Church 
Forces. Morales Wounded. A Hospital Established. Valua- 
ble Recruits. Plan to Capture a Vessel in the Harbor of Mazat- 
lan. Mistake of Morales. Seizure of a United States Vessel 
by the Church Forces. Demand for her Release. English In- 
terference. Our Prizes Taken from us by an English Man- of- 
War. -A Colored Picket. Strategy of Morales. Junction with 
Coranow. Capture of Mazatlan. Presented with a Marine 
Saber. Prisoners Escape with One of our Vessels. Recapture 
of our Vessel and Bombardment of San Bias. Expedition 
Against Lozado. Our Leader, Coranow, Killed. Sold out by 
Cordero, His Successor. Return to Mazatlan. Capture and 
Execution of Cordero. 244 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Capture of a Merchantman and Valuable Cargo. Lose our Prize 
by the Treachery of De Vega. De Vega a Defaulter. Second 
Expedition Against Lozado. History of Lozado. Ordered to 
join Gen. Zaragosa at Sayula. Join Zaragosa and Proceed to 
Guadalaxara. Mining the Enemy's Barracks. Escape of Mir- 
amon. Col. Cheeseman Poisoned. Ordered to Cinaloa. En- 
gagements with Lozado's Warriors. Rasing Recruits. Engage- 
ment with the Enemy Under Coghen. Ordered to Mexico. 
Battles by the Way. Capture of Mexico. - 263 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

War Declared by France Against Mexico. Engagement near 
Puebla. I am Wounded. Taken to Mexico. Death of Gen. 
Zaragosa, and Gen. Arteaga as Commander. Return to Mazat- 
lan. Treachery of Lanberg. Sent to Altata to Intercept 
French Recruits. Capture and Exchange of Prisoners. Cap- 
ture of a Steamer with Supplies. Land at Guaymas. Start for 
Hermosillo. Primitive Navigation. Join Col. Corea. Taken 
Prisoner. Escape by the Aid of the Guard. Rebuke to Col. 
Corea. Sent by Gov. Pesquiera to Confer with Col. Lewis. 
Ordered to Sonora. Capture of Magdalena. Skirmish with 
Tannery. Lanberg Joins Maximilian. Encouraging Incidents. 
Drawn Battle with Gen. Lanberg. A Rich Prisoner. Benefits 



CONTEXTS. 13 

of Strategy. Battle near Ures. Death of Lanberg. State of 
Affairs. 278 

CHAPTEK XIX. 

Maximilian's Black Flag Decree. Juarez in the United States. 
French Troops Withdrawn from Mexico. Ordered to March on 
Guaymas. Capture of the Indian, Tannery. Shooting of 
Traitors. Friendship of United States Naval Officers. The 
War Ended in Sonora. Trouble with Martinez. Ordered to 
Mazatlan, and from Thence to Zacatecas. Battle with Lozado. 
Explanations. Condition of Affairs in the Spring of 1867. 
Battle of Queretaro. Surrender of Maximilian. Interview of 
Maximilian with Juarez and the Doctors. The Execution of 
Maximilian, Miramon and Mejia. Entry into Mexico. - 299 

CHAPTER XX. 

Expedition Against Marquez at Oaxaca. His Flight without a 
Battle. Mutiny. Ordered to the Mountains of Allico to At- 
tack Lozado. I Resign my Captaincy. Paid for my Services 
by Gov. Pesquiera. Visit Fort Tubac. "Peaceable " Indians. 
Seven to One. Exchanging Shots. Incredulity Convinced. A 
Surgical Operation. Examples of Apache Cruelty. A Valua- 
able Bullet. Unsuccessful Gold Hunting. Lieutenant Wil- 
liams and his Apache Ward. An Emigrant Train Attacked by 
Indians. Emma Brown and her Escape from Apaches. Kind- 
ness of United States Officers. 313 

CHAPTER XXI. 

Miss Holliday's Rescue from Indians. Her Marriage with the 
Commander of the Troops. Obliged to Leave for California. 
Mexican Depravity. A Surgical Operation. Meet Nathan 
Martin and my Cousin. My Uncle's Massacre by Mormons. 
Join a Party to Pursue Mormon Horse Thieves. Prospecting 
with Brown and Bennett. Danger of Shooting Cubs. An Im- 
portant Discovery. Accident to Mr. Bennett. An Unpleasant 
Night. Mr. Bennett's Effects. Dishonesty of Brown. An A£ 
fray with Brown. - 328> 



1 i CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Go to the Owen's River Mines. How the Cerro Gordo Mines 
were Discovered. Engaged in Smelting Ores. Death Valley. 
Gun Sight Lode. Return to Cerro Gordo. Supplied with Pro- 
visions by Miners. Honn's Idea of Whiskey and Flour. A 
Visit from a Pah Utah. Deserted by our Guide. Meet an Old 
Squaw who shows us "Water. Joined by two Americans who 
Escaped an Indian Massacre. Unsuccessful Search for the 
Copeland Brothers. Mr. Wilson's Revenge. White Mountain 
Mines. Owen's Lake. A Family Killed by Pah Utahs. A 
Husband's Desperation. Treaty with Pah Utahs. - 340 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

Disappearance of Hog Rogers. A Faithful Dog. Finding of 
Roger's Body. A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing. Attempt at 
Bribery. Recovery of Stolen Property. Restraining a Mob. 
Delaney's Trial and Confession. The Execution. An Appro- 
priate Nickname. - - - - 357 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

California in its Early Days. Joaquin Murietta and Three- 
Fingered Jack. Breaking a Bank. Murietta Refuses to Sur- 
render Himself. A Company Organized for his Capture. 
Death of Murietta. His Wife Identifies his Head. The Last 
of the Gang. Large Amount of Property Recovered. An Or- 
der to Restrain Outlaws. 365 

CHAPTER XXV. 

I Engage as Guide to an Exploring Expedition in the Vicinity of 
Death Valley. Remains of a Murdered Mining Company. Ac- 
count of their Massacre. Digger Indians. A Rabbit Hunt. 
Return to California. Pinon Trees and Nuts. Capture of an 
Indian Child. Prospecting near the Colorado River. Hot 
Springs. Summary of Mining Experiences. Mining in Lower 
California. Pursuing Indians who had Massacred a Mining 
Company. The Attack. Jones and Patterson. A Good 
Month's Work. Leave the Camp to Avoid the Deperadoes our 
Success had Brought. Driven into Trees by a Grizzly. Game 
too Abundant. Leave for Safety. 375 



CCXNTJSNTS. 15 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

An Interesting Mexican Family. Jones's Conversation with a 
Young Lady Interrupted. Our Friend Patterson Commits 
Matrimony. Leave our Friends and go to La Paz. Pearl 
Divers. Visit Guaymas. Amalgamation Process. Pimos In- 
dians. Meeting with Apaches on our Way to the Opoto Vil- 
lage. Dance over Apache Scalps. An Indian's Opinion of 
Americans. The Publanos and some of their Habits. Saint's 
Week at Magdalena. Plancha La Platus Mines. A Mexican 
Girl Rescued from Apaches and Restored to her Friends. A 
Timid Major. Taking Receipts. My Opinion of Apaches. - 391 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

Visit Penalto Mines. A Vigilance Committee and its Acts. Bea- 
ver Trapping on the Gila and Colorado Rivers. Guide to a 
Party from Fort Yuma to Sonora. An Interview with Gov. 
Pesquiera. Sunday Amusements. Cure a Member of the 
Party of a Rattlesnake's Bite. Establishing a Port on the 
Coast of Sonora. Engagement with Robbers. An Outlaw 
Killed. An Escaped Thief Captured. 412 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Poor Inducements for Trapping. Mining Frauds. Fight Be- 
tween Indians and Lumbermen. Death to Mule Thieves. Trip 
from Fort Yuma to Tueson. Shooting of Apache Mule 
Thieves. Under Arrest. Avenging a Murder by Apaches. 
Unpleasant Traveling. An Interview with Col. Thompson. 
Cow Hills Diggings. Supplying Game to Miners. Meet Pat- 
terson and his Wife. Supplying Game for the San Francisco 
Market. A Brutal Dog Fight. How a Huge Grizzly was 
Caught Alive. 426 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

A Trip to the San Bernadino Mountains. Burns kept out all 
Night by a Bear. A Grand Turkey Shoot. A Misanthrope. 
Trip to Fort Mohave. Error of a Vigilance Committee. Start 
for the White Pine Mines. Deserted by our Guide. Rescue of 



16 CONTENTS. 

a Mexican Girl. Mono Lake and the Grave of Kit Carson's 
Daughter. A Disgusted Dutchman. Marriage of Burns and 
the Mexican Girl. 439 

CHAPTER XXX. 

Catching Wild Horses. Breaking a Horse. A Boastful Chilian 
Comes to Grief. Lead a Party to the Rescue of Texan Emi- 
grants. Prospecting for a New York Company. Failure of the 
Company to come to Terms. Jones Declines to Join me in 
Mining, but Joins a Texan Widow in Housekeeping. A Visit 
to the Comanches. Comanches and their Horses. Lassoing 
Horses. Creasing Horses. Return to California and Aid a 
Party of Mexican Shepherds on the Route. - - - -452 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

A Second Trip as Guide to a Surveying Party in the Vicinity of 
Death Valley. Meeting with the Indians who Formerly held 
Burns's Wife Captive. Visit San Francisco. An Ex-Robber. 
Return to Tulare County. A Trip as Guide over the Sierra 
Nevadas. A Friend in Trouble. Capture of a T'hief and Res- 
toration of Property. Execution of the Thief. Decide to Set- 
tle Down. Stopping a Runaway Team. Catching an Elk. 
Sheep Speculations. - - - 464 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

Omitted Adventures. Stage Driving Between Zacatecas and 
Agua Calientes. A Bragging Party Quietly Robbed. Rob- 
bery of a Mule Train. Stage Load of Englishmen Attacked. 
Confession of a Wounded Robber. A Thieving Community. 
My Life in Danger from my Escort. Their Plans Frustrated. 
A Novel Barricade. Comic Bull Fights at the Fair at 
San Juan De Los Lagos. Fight with a Grizzly and My Life 
Saved by my Dog. A Strange Pet. Lose my Dog in a Fight 
with a California Lion. A Material Ghost. Conclusion. - 474 



WILD LIFE IN THE FAR WEST. 



CHAPTER I. 



I WAS born on the 10th of May, 1819, in the Shaw- 
nee Nation, on the Big Bine creek, a tributary of 
the Missouri river and about twenty -three miles from 
Independence. The place then known as Indian terri- 
tory is now better known as Jackson county, Missouri. 

Being one of a pair of twins, the chief care of me de- 
volved on a faithful old negro nurse who was one of 
my father' s slaves. My twin sister, who was brought 
up on her mother's breast, after weaning, looked so 
much whiter than I that my tanned and sunburnt 
complexion has been the occasion of many a joke from 
friends who laid it to my nursing from a negro. 

My mother died in 1825, when I was about seven 
years of age. My father married his second wife when 
I was about thirteen years old, and she, being quite a 
young woman and high-spirited, commenced to rule the 
house after she had introduced the first one of a second 
crop of children. This made matters very uncomfort- 
able for me, but I contrived to amuse myself for three 
years longer at home or till the age of sixteen, when I 
struck out for myself, pretty much on my own hook, 
resolved to hunt for furs with some company, or hunt 
Indians, or do any thing else that would pay. 

While working on my father' s plantation I had be- 
come familiar with the rifle and shot gun, and indeed 
2 



18 BENT AND SAVERY. 

had to provide nearly all the meat for the family ; but 
game was plenty and that was an easy task, much 
easier than pleasing the mistress who took no pains to 
give me any educational advantages. Though young, 
I was nearly full grown when I found an excellent 
chance to join a fur company that had just started out 
from St. Louis, under the lead of Charles Bent, and 
were going out to a fort and trading-post called 
Bent's Fort, some three hundred miles south of Pike's 
Peak on Big Arkansas river. The party consisted of 
about sixty men. The more prominent hunters were 
Charles Bent, Guesso Chauteau, William Savery, and 
two noted Indian trappers named Shawnee Spiebuck, 
and Shawnee Jake. Some of the party were agents of, 
and interested in, the Hudson' s Bay fur company, hav- 
ing their head-quarters at St. Louis. This was in 1835. 
As I shall have considerable to say of some of this party, 
a brief description of them may be of interest to the 
reader. 

Charles Bent, the leader of the party, and a mana- 
ger of the fur business at Bent' s Fort, was a native of St. 
Louis, Mo., and a brother of the famous Captain Bent 
who originated the theory called the " Thermal Gate- 
ways to the Pole." At the time I joined his party, he 
was about thirty -five years of age, light complexioned, 
heavily built, tending to corpulency. In all my ac- 
quaintance with him I always found him perfectly up- 
right in his dealings, both with his party and the Indi- 
ans. He commanded the confidence and respect of all 
the tribes he dealt with, and his honorable treatment of 
them prevented violence on their part. 

Savery, who was next in interest to Bent was a 
French Canadian a few years younger than Bent, and 
like him was a very fair and honorable man in all his 



SPIEBUCK. 19 

dealings. These two men were well calculated for In- 
dian traders, for they were respected as honest men, 
and would never furnish intoxicating liquors to the 
Indians for the purpose of making more advantageous 
bargains with them. 

Spiebuck was a noble looking Indian, full six feet 
high, had a high forehead, Roman nose, malicious 
looking black eye, and was rather lighter colored than 
most of the Shawnees who composed the party, who 
were all large, well-built men. He spoke English 
fluently, having been educated at a mission- school 
in Missouri. He retained, however, many of the In- 
dian peculiarities, among them his fondness for liquor 
and his roving disposition, so that we never could keep 
him at one thing long at a time. He was the best shot 
with a rifle, at long range, I ever saw. 

The Shawnees of the party wore buckskin pants and 
hunting-shirt, with fringes of buckskin strings along 
the seams of the legs and sleeves. They nearly all 
could speak English, but when by themselves they 
usually employed their own language. They were 
quiet and peaceable except when under the influence 
of liquor : then they needed just such a man as Bent 
to restrain them and keep them within bounds. 

Most of the white trappers wore a dress similar to 
that of the Shawnees, on account of its great durabili- 
ty, as it would last from three to four years, notwith- 
standing the very hard usage it received. 

The prospect to me was very pleasing. We were all 
fnounted on horses, having some led mules and half a 
dozen one and two-horse carts to haul our provisions 
and bring in oui furs, &c. It was a wild and lonely 
tramp. Before us were the vast plains, unbroken ex- 
>t here and there with a belt of timber, and we were 



T 



20 ATTACKED BY PAWNEES. 

following a mere trail, never seeing a house after leav- 
ing Independence. My capacity in the company was 
that of hunter, to provide fresh meat we needed on the 
route. John Batiste, a boy about my age, was mule- 
packer. We had proceeded, without adventure, until 
the night after crossing Pawnee Fork, between five and 
six hundred miles from Independence, our point of de- 
parture. We crossed the fork, staked out our animals 
and, after supper, lay down in the tall grass that cov- 
ered the valley. I stood guard from two till half-past 
three in the morning, and when one of the company 
named Spencer had taken my place, the six on guard 
had all been changed. About daylight, while the camp 
was wrapped in slumber, I was startled out of my 
blanket by a yelling, stamping of horses' feet, cutting 
tent-ropes, and then came the click of two arrows 
against a water bucket by my side. We sprang to our 
feet and seized our rifles, amazed to discover that three 
or four hundred Pawnee Indians had crept through 
the long grass, surprised our guard and made a fierce 
assault with a view of running off our animals. We 
were not slow in returning their fire and soon the 
savages were driven into a corner where a precipitous 
ledge prevented their retreat. Finding it difficult to 
create a stampede among our horses and mules, and 
seeing us all well armed, the Indians took to the river 
in front of us and swam over. I broke one red-skin's 
back with a bullet as he was climbing the opposite 
bank, and three others were killed. Our party were 
more frightened than hurt, though one or two were 
pierced with arrows. At that early period guns and 
ammunition had not been freely sold by Indian agen- 
cies to these hostile western tribes, and their principal 
weapon was the bow and arrow. After this our party 



MEETING A PARTY OF AMERICAN'S AND SACS. 21 

kept a stronger guard and looked out for night sur- 
prises. 

I had little difficulty in keeping the company sup- 
plied with meat, as there were great numbers of 
buffalo, antelope, deer, elk, &c, on the plains at that 
time. 

After traveling about one hundred and twenty -five 
miles further, we met at Big Coon creek a party of 
about three hundred Sacs with twenty -five or thirty 
Americans. These Sac Indians were friendly, and 
were taking one hundred and fifty buffalo calves to 
Missouri to raise for English purchasers. These calves 
had been given to cows whQse calves had been killed 
to make room for these hump-backed strangers. Be- 
sides these calves the party had young grey wolves, 
elk, and antelopes. 

We camped and feasted together four days, fishing 
for trout in Coon creek, hunting deer, &c, and at night 
carousing around, drinking liquor, and having a good 
time generally. 

The reader must bear in mind that the men who en- 
gaged in expeditions of the kind we were on, were not 
noted for their total abstinence, any more than the rep- 
resentative sailor, having the same roving and frolick- 
ing nature. 

Their party was under the direction of Mr. Fitz- 
hughes, and he had taken the Sacs as a protection to 
his American party. He warned us that there were 
signs of Indians before us, though he could not say 
what tribe. About four days after leaving our friends 
we arrived at the ' 'Caches, ' ' a camping place on the banks 
of the Big Arkansas river, deriving its name from the 
fact that a number of wagons had been broken down 
in that neighborhood and the provisions and goods 



22 PURSUIT OF A BUFFALO COW. 

" cached," or stored there for safe keeping till they 
could repair damages. 

The next morning after leaving this camping 
ground, onr attention was attracted by a distant smoke 
among some sand hills on the left side of the Arkansas. 
Our suspicions were that the smoke proceeded from 
Indians and was, perhaps, a hostile signal to notify 
other Indians of our approach. 

We continued on our route and as our party moved 
slowly, only fifteen miles per day, and as I hunted on 
horseback, it gave me plenty of time. I killed three 
buffaloes that day, one of which, being old and tough, 
was abandoned after our boys had skinned him. The 
last one I shot was a fat buffalo cow which ran across 
the trail in front of our train late in the afternoon. I 
dashed after her wounding her with my pistols, and 
she swam across the river in the direction of the 
smoke. I started to the rear of the train for my Haw- 
kins rifle, the men laughing at me for letting the cow 
escape. 

" Don't try to follow that cow," said Bent, "she is 
going straight for that smoke and it means ' Injun' and 
no good in 'em either." 

"But I'll get her," I answered, for I was mad on ac- 
count of some of the boys laughing at me. 

"Get your pack mule," said I to my young friend, 
Batiste, "and we'll fetch that buffalo back." 

"All right," he answered, and we crossed the river. 
I went ahead, and about three miles from the train 
came up with the cow. She turned and showed fight. 
I galloped around her several times, finally getting in a 
good shot which killed her. Jumping off my horse I 
began cutting off the choice pieces for use in camp, 
young Batiste helping me and loading his mule until, 



LOST IN THE DAEKNESS. 23 

suddenly, it was dusk and we were in doubt which 
way to return to our train. It was very soon pitch- 
dark, so we could not discern the tracks by which we 
had come, nor could we see the few Cottonwoods that 
lined the river, relieving the barren plain, and only at 
intervals could we see the stars. 

' ' John, ' ' said I, ' ' this running around the buffalo has 
bewildered me, but I think yonder is the way back." 

"No," replied John, "I know the way I came, fol- 
low me," starting off in a different direction from what 
I proposed. 

We traveled in this dismal fog and darkness, occa- 
sionally stopping to hear, if possible, some signal from 
our friends who we vainly hoped would be out looking 
for us. Nothing but the sound of a distant wolf, or 
night owl screeching, to break the stillness, when we 
stopped about ten o'clock, and said I, "John, we are 
going wrong. We have come at least ten miles and 
the best thing we can do is to stay here all night." It 
was September and we slept comfortably enough, ex- 
cept being disturbed in the middle of the night by grey 
wolves, who, snuffing our meat from a distance, came 
prowling around us. We had kindled a fire, very 
luckily, before going to sleep, and knowing the habits 
of these "varmints," I made them scatter by flashing 
powder in our fire, and we were left in peace the bal- 
ance of the night. 

About sunrise we awoke and looking around for our 
train, to our amazement, could not even see the Cot- 
tonwoods that marked the bank of the river up which 
our train was moving. 

We had been going away from the river on account 
of John's injudicious advice and want of experience. 
So we turned and retraced our steps as rapidly as our 



24 CAPTURED BY COMAKCHES. 

loads would, permit, and were traveling along cheerful- 
ly, when a large herd of buffalo appeared and dashed 
along towards us, passing us at a fearful rate, as 
though terribly frightened. 

" That means hunters or Indians," said I, and still 
they came thundering past, probably two thousand in 
number, filling the air with dust, and we discovered 
that they were closely followed by Indians, shooting 
arrows into them and piercing them with lances. 

"To that little hollow, to that little hollow," I ex- 
claimed to John, "throw away the meat and make for 
that hollow we just passed." 

Batiste didn't need any urging, but we both wheeled 
and rode for the hollow, hoping to reach it before we 
were seen. 

Descending the little ravine we looked back to see 
if we were safe and were astonished to see nine "Co- 
manches" close behind us/ 

' ' How d' y e do \ " said a stalwart chief in good English. 

"How d'ye do" I replied for politeness' sake, but 
the state of his health was a matter of little concern to 
me just then. 

"Texas?" (They hated Texans and it was well I 
answered,) 

"No, friendly, going to establish a trading post with 
the Comanches and other Indians." 

"Friendly? better go with us awhile, though. Got 
any tobacco V ' 

I had a little old clay pipe and Batiste had another, 
which we gave them with some tobacco, and they took 
us in tow, starting for their camp where we arrived 
late that afternoon, our escort having swelled from 
the nine who captured us to about a thousand. They 
gave us some cooked buffalo meat and afterwards es- 



suspicious. 25 

corted us to the head- quarters of their tribe, introduc- 
ing us to "Old Wolf," the head chief. 

" Old Wolf" was a large and very tall Indian, with 
a Roman nose, high forehead, and hair falling down to 
his hips, braided in plaits, and ornamented with rings 
an inch wide, put on at intervals. These rings were 
ornaments peculiar to him, as no other member of the 
tribe ever wore them. When he wished to make an 
unusually rich toilet, he wore on his breast a large, 
highly polished, copper plate, which glistened in the 
sunlight and of which he was very proud. 

Batiste had a bottle of brandy hanging on the horn 
of his saddle and with a view to conciliate the old 
chief, I suggested to John to give him a dram. He 
was suspicious and would not drink. I drank some 
and he looked me steadily in the eye. I then handed 
the bottle to him but still he doubted. Batiste took a 
horn cup and pouring out some so the chief could see 
what he drank, poured down a good "swig." The 
chief looked at him steadily fifteen minutes, then tak- 
ing the bottle drank down its contents, like water, to 
the last drop. He was, immediately, the happiest In- 
dian I ever saw. 

We had traveled forty or fifty miles that day, close- 
watched and guarded by our captors, but without any 
fear of bodily injury, as the Indians acted quite 
friendly. The chief of their tribe, "Old Wolf" al- 
ways staid at home, moving only at such times as the 
tribe traveled bodily, to attend the annual feasts with 
friendly tribes, or to follow the buffaloes as they mi- 
grated north or south, for he was an old man. 

He had a son called chief and another called second 
chief. Both were married to white girls, captives, 
named Brown, who were captured in Texas, near San 



26 FATE OF MEXICAN PRISONERS. 

Antonio. They were sisters and in the same Indian 
village were their two brothers, captured at the same 
time, one named Henry, about twelve years of age, and 
little Jim, hardly seven years old. They had been 
taken about four years before, when their father, moth- 
er and two elder brothers were murdered. The girls 
were now about eighteen and twenty -one years of age. 
I made many attempts to talk with them but was al- 
ways frustrated by savage watchfulness. The little 
boy could only say Yes or No in English, though he 
could speak good Indian, as could his brother and sis- 
ters. I was also forbidden any conversation with the 
boys, but I learned they had lived near Fort Alamo, 
the scene of Davy Crockett' s death. 

A council was held, soon after our arrival, to decide 
on the disposition of John and myself ; but it was nec- 
essarily adjourned till the next morning, because "Old 
Wolf" had drank too much of our brandy and talked 
himself to sleep in the midst of the council, and was 
not competent to hear the report of our captors. As 
the result of the deliberations, next day, the captive, 
Henry, was instructed to inform us that if we were not 
Texans and would be good and not run away, they 
would not kill us but let us stay with them. They, 
however, pointed to some dried scalps and informed us 
that about three weeks before, three Mexicans, captured 
by them and set to mind their stock, had attempted to 
escape. They were pursued with the intention of bring- 
ing them back, but it was finally decided, after having a 
long chase, to bring only their scalps, and they should 
feel compelled to do the same by us under similar cir- 
cumstances. These remarks were made with such 
grave earnestness that we decided our best course was, 
to keep quiet and stay with the Indians, for it would 



COMANCHES. 27 

be madness for such boys as we were, with no knowl- 
edge of the country, to attempt to reach Fort Bent or 
to return to Missouri. 

John was particularly faithful. I went out with the 
Indians, and hunted, and learned to catch trout with 
their bone fish-hooks. But John never stirred from 
camp, for he was afraid of mistakes ; he might be 
going from camp with the best intention to return, and 
lose his scalp, as the Mexicans did. 

Our hosts did not like John very well, though they 
regarded me very favorably. The Comanches are the 
most powerful of all the tribes of North American 
Indians. Their dress differs but little from that of the 
Shawnees, a description of which has already been 
given, — the men wearing a buckskin hunting-shirt 
reaching to the waist, buckskin pants so made as to 
require a breech-cloth, as the pants do not cover the 
small of the back, and moccasins. The women wear a 
buckskin petticoat and dress, reaching to the knee, 
pants like the men, and buckskin moccasins. The 
dress is usually fringed and the moccasins ornamented. 
The more favored often add a handsome blanket to 
their costume. The Comanches are superior to all 
other tribes in horsemanship, and a very large portion 
of their lives is spent on horseback. They have a 
remarkable fondness for horses, and, as might be im- 
agined, are the most accomplished horse-stealers in the 
world, often making daring raids, the replenishing of 
their stock being the principal object, as will be seen in 
the following pages. 

At the end of three months, they were making up 
a war-party to go against the Pawnees, and requested 
Batiste and me to go and help them fight. He de- 
clined, but I accepted the invitation. My Hawkins 



28 SAD KEFLECTIONS. 

rifle was returned to me, and we started, going over 
the same route we had come to their camp. We even 
passed the very spot where I had been captured, and 
also where I killed the buffalo. I saw tracks of shoe 
clad feet showing that our white friends of the train 
had searched for us, and must have seen from the 
Indian foot-prints, that a party had either captured or 
killed us, and so, giving up the search, had gone 
on their way. This I afterward ascertained to be the 
case, and that I was returning in the right direction 
when captured by the Indian hunters. 

My reflections, when passing these familiar spots, 
were anything but pleasing. Snatched so suddenly 
from the companionship of friendly white men, who 
had begun to look upon me, though a mere youth, 
as an important and valuable assistant in their fur 
business, I realized that I had lost a good opportunity 
to become a wealthy fur-dealer and trapper. They 
were men who did a heavy business, and I had hoped 
to prove serviceable to them, and obtain an interest in 
the profits. Now my hopes were blasted. My friends 
would consider me dead or a captive, and no effort 
would be made to find me by my relatives or any one 
else. How far these disappointments, or how much 
this ill-luck has influenced my after course or made 
me the roving adventurer that I have been, I leave the 
reader to judge. 

Our force moved onward rapidly to the Big Arkansas 
river, just a little below "The Caches," where we sur- 
prised about two hundred Pawnees, who were camped 
in a wild-plum thicket. They feared the Comanches, 
and undertook to escape by swimming the river. I 
had an old grudge against the Pawnees for their attack 
on our fur-train previously ; and, nerved with a desire 



29 

to show our Comanche braves that I was interested 
somewhat, and wanted a hand in, I drew a bead on 
a Pawnee who was out in the middle of the stream, 
and, with a yell, he went to the bottom. The Coman- 
ches rushed into the river, secured the body, took off 
the scalp, and returned to their village, as the river 
was high, and they did not choose to ford it at the risk 
of their lives. Several of the Pawnees were drowned 
in the attempt to escape across the river ; but the only 
trophy secured in the way of a scalp came from the 
head of the Pawnee who happened to be in range 
of my rifle. 

Upon our arrival back in camp, "Old Wolf" helped 
me off the horse himself, hugged me, and said I had a 
big heart, but John had a little heart, because he 
would not go and fight. A procession was formed, 
and the Indian who had the Pawnee scalp led off, 
while I was second, the chiefs following, with the 
warriors in the rear; after which there was a big 
dance and pow-wow. "Old Wolf" brought out his 
daughter, a really beautiful Indian girl about my own 
age, with whom I had become slightly acquainted, and 
offered her to me for a wife ! Of course I consented ; 
what else could I do % — and the wedding was arranged 
to take place instanter. The old priest, whose age was 
over a hundred by the moons he had notched on his 
cane, united us in the bonds of matrimony at once. 
He repeated the marriage ceremony, which was unin- 
telligible to me, and, placing on my finger a ring made 
of buffalo horn, and a similar ring on her fore-finger, 
bade us change rings. And thus "Spotted Fawn" 
became my wife, and proved loving and affectionate; 
and I have no doubt she remains faithful to me to 
this day, though I have not seen her for years. All 



30 KEGEO PEISONEES. 

their marriages are by consent of the chief; and their 
women are loyal and obedient, considering their mar- 
riage vows sacred and binding till death shall part 
them. The men are also trne to their wives, as a 
general thing, and any breach of good morals is pun- 
ishable by whipping, and sometimes, where the offense 
is aggravated, the criminal is cut to pieces with 
knives. Their notions of virtue and morality are, 
in some respects, in advance of more civilized com- 
munities. 

About three months after my marriage, six negroes 
were brought into camp as captives. They had run 
away from their Cherokee masters, and were trying to 
reach Mexico when the Comanches picked them up. 
Five were on horses that were too wretchedly poor for 
crow-baits, and one negro on foot. When they came 
into camp under guard, they were so badly scared as to 
turn ashy pale! Seeing me, they called out, "For 
God's sake, massa! please don't let 'em kill us!" I 
promised them they should not be hurt. ' These negroes 
were a great curiosity to " Old Wolf," who had never 
seen one of that race before. He came to me for an 
explanation. "What kind of people are these?" 
said he ; " what black ' em for ? what swinge hair for % " 
"Not blacked," I answered; "hair not swinged; 
born so." This he would not believe till he had 
rubbed his fingers over their faces, and then examined 
the ends of them, to the amazement and terror of the 
poor captives. He also plucked at their wool, in the 
endeavor to ascertain how it got so kinky. The whole 
nation flocked to see these human curiosities, and 
crowded around them, raising uncontrollable terror 
in the minds of the negroes. When they saw them 
coming, old "Josh," their leader, cried out, "Now 



CAPTIVES RELEASED. 31 

they 's gwine to kill us sure! please don't let 'em, 
massa ! Gorra mighty ! Ise afraid of 'em!" 

" No," I replied ; "they will not hurt you. This is 
the old chief, a greater general than any in the United 
States, and what he tells you, you can depend on; 
and I am his son-in-law." That satisfied them. 

On the eighth day after their arrival, "Old Wolf" 
told them they had rested long enough, and must 
leave. He gave them buffalo robes to sleep on, a 
supply of buffalo meat, fresh horses to ride, and an 
escort of eight Indians ; and my wife gave old " Josh " 
a pair of moccasins, for which he stuttered out many 
thanks. The negroes seemed to have more confidence 
in me than in their escort; but I calmed their fears, 
and they started. Four days afterward, the escort 
returned, having conducted their charge into the main 
road to Mexico. 




CHAPTER II. 

ABOUT two months after the incidents related in 
the last chapter, I accompanied a war-party of 
four hundred Comanches down on the Rio Grande, to 
a place called Monclova, over three hundred miles 
from where onr Comanche nation were encamped. We 
had a battle with the Mexicans ; after surrounding and 
attacking the town of some two thousand inhabitants, 
forty or fifty Mexicans were killed and twenty scalps 
taken. Attending our party, and foremost in this 
fight, was a young girl of our tribe, selected for her 
purity, and looked upon by these superstitious war- 
riors as an angel of good or ill luck. Mounted on 
a fast horse, she was first in our charge, or in advance 
(as soldiers say) of the line of battle. She was skilled 
in the use of the bow and arrow and handling of her 
horse, and to her boldness and cool daring our success 
was partially attributed. 

We lost four of our warriors. We returned with 
nine Mexican women and children prisoners, and cap- 
tured fourteen hundred horses and mules, making a 
clean sweep of all such animals in that section of 
country. On our return, we picked up, at the Nueces 
river, a youth of seventeen years, named Nathan 
Martin. He was out hunting for runaway stock, and, 
being discovered by some of our party, was pursued 
and brought in, terribly frightened. On finding that I 
could speak English, he became more calm, and, in 
answer to my questions, stated that he was from San 



FUNERAL CEREMONIES. 33 

Antonio, Texas. I instantly warned him not to let 
that be known, for our tribe hated the Texans, and 
would be sure to show him no mercy, if they knew he 
was from Texas. I told him how to represent to them 
that he was from the same place I was, and to show no 
signs of fear, as they would be much more likely 
to spare him, if he appeared brave. He followed my 
advice, and was treated kindly by the tribe during his 
stay with them. 

This was one hundred miles north of the scene of 
our battle, and to this place the four dead warriors 
were brought, that their remains might be laid to rest 
within the boundaries of their own nation. The funeral 
ceremonies hindered us here half a day. The departed 
were wrapped in buffalo robes, and placed on scaffolds 
made in trees as high as we could go. Their bows and 
arrows were laid beside them, buffalo meat put under 
their heads, and finally their horses were killed at the 
foot of the trees. Then the warriors, falling on their 
knees, with hands uplifted and joined, with eyes raised 
toward the sun (which is their God, or Great Spirit), 
murmured in low tones their prayers to the sun, to 
take the bodies of their departed friends up to his 
bosom, and happily revive them in the heavenly hunt- 
ing-grounds. This is the best idea they have of any 
thing spiritual. They believe their departed brother, 
with his bow and arrows, sitting astride the horse at 
the foot of the tree, will ascend to the sun, bearing the 
provisions placed under his head, which is thought 
sufficient to last him through his upward journey, 
at the end of which he is expected to find plenty^ 
After the lapse of a hundred years, he will return 
to his nation, with the same bow and arrows, riding 
the same horse! All their dead, — men, women, and 
3 



34 REPORT OF WAR-PARTY. 

children, — after meeting friends in the snn and enjoy- 
ing happiness there, must return at the end of a 
hundred years, and thus keep up the population and 
power of the tribe. All the Comanches worship the 
sun, morning and evening. At sunrise the men, on 
their knees, with their faces toward the sun, hands 
elevated and joined, pray for health and prosperity in 
hunting. At sunset the women pray in the same 
manner for the same blessings. This was the daily 
custom year after year, and probably is continued 
to this day. 

Upon reaching our head-quarters, the chief, my 
brother-in-law (the commander of the war-parties), 
gave orders for the men to assemble at his father's 
tent, " Old Wolf's" lodge, the next morning, for the 
purpose of making our report, as well as to have a 
jollification over the scalps and prisoners we had cap- 
tured. Our expedition had occupied several months, 
being delayed by hunting and branch raids in different 
directions. Our report to "Old Wolf" was made 
somewhat as follows; All of the war-party sat in a 
circle in front of the chief's tent, so that the door 
of the tent was within the line of the circle. "Wolf" 
sat in the doorway on a buffalo robe, and by his side 
his son, the war-chief. The medicine pipe passed 
around for good luck, and then, in a loud voice, so 
that all the four hundred warriors could hear it, every 
event was narrated by the war-chief, from the setting 
out of the party till its return. During this narration 
there was the most profound silence. When he con- 
cluded he asked the warriors if he had stated the 
events correctly. These reports are meant to be very 
accurate, but, if any mistake is made, the warriors 
• correct it. 



SURGERY. 35 

After this ceremony was ended, three amputations 
were made by the chiefs surgeon. Two of our war- 
party had each a leg shattered and one an arm. They 
were brought back to camp from the scene of our late 
fight on buffalo robes, bolstered up on horses that were 
led by others, and must have endured much suffering, 
but nothing compared to the final amputation, which 
was barbarous. The old surgeon, with a butcher-knife 
and a saw made of a piece of hoop-iron, cut off the 
limbs, seared the stumps with a hot iron, and bound 
over them a poultice made of a pulverized bark, some- 
what resembling oak or slippery elm, which they 
always carry with them. The victims of these rough 
operations each held a bullet in his teeth, convulsively 
hugged one of the Indians holding him, and gave vent 
to some slight groans, but, on the whole, bore it man- 
fully. They all recovered in due time. After the 
surgical operation was over, there was a general ca- 
rousal over the scalps, and a council held to make 
a proper disposition of our prisoners. The women 
and children captured were finally disposed of by 
being adopted in various lodges through the tribe. 

I had now been with the Indians about a year. 
Cold weather was again approaching, and we began 
preparations for winter. The squaws sally forth in 
the fall, gathering acorns and pine-nuts. The acorns, 
being pulverized in stone mortars to the fineness of 
meal, make a kind of mush when boiled, which goes 
very well with their meat. In summer they secure 
wild currants, gooseberries, plums, and cherries, which 
they dry for winter use. They have vessels for cooking 
and carrying water, made out of clay and baked in 
kilns by the squaws. 

The fruits and nuts having been provided, and the 



36 BUFFALO HUNTING. 

season for buffalo hunting being at hand, some of the 
squaws accompany the warriors out to assist in buffalo 
packing, &c. These animals move southward in large 
droves in the fall, naturally dreading the deep snows 
of the plains. Our tribe of Comanches were often very 
successful in the hunt, sometimes killing a thousand 
in the fall. They went out, armed with bows and 
arrows, mounted on their best horses or mules. There 
was a precipice several hundred feet high on the bank 
of the Little Red river, and back of this precipice was 
a plain which was often covered with buffalo. By 
surrounding a drove, getting them into a panic, and 
heading them for the river, they would rush over 
this high precipice in crowds. Our squaws would 
assist in skinning them, cut up the meat into strips, 
salt it (with salt gathered from several natural salt- 
springs and deposits in the vicinity), dry it in twists, 
with a streak of lean and fat together, and put these 
twists into square bales for packing. They scraped 
the hides with the rib-bone of a deer or elk, and 
dressed them with the buffalo brains. There were 
always more or less deer, elk, and antelope crowded 
over the precipice with the buffaloes, and the meat was 
preserved and skins dressed in the same way. The 
buckskin is dressed for clothing by them in such a 
manner that wetting does not stiffen it. 

Fish are also caught in the fall and salted or dried 
for winter use. For this purpose a hook is used, made 
of a small short bone about an inch long (for trout), 
baited with a grasshopper, and hung in the center. 
They also shoot them with arrows. I taught them 
how to catch fish with a seine, which greatly pleased 
them, and for this purpose we used buffalo hides 
stitched together, with innumerable holes cut in them. 



TRAINING YOUNG WARRIORS. 37 

This they thought splendid fun, hauling in enormous 
quantities of bass, trout, perch, &c. 

About Christmas, a party of five hundred Comanches 
went down into Mexico and attacked the Apaches, who, 
being friendly with the Mexicans, retreated about sixty 
miles to the Mexican village of Passo del Norte. Some 
Mexicans were killed, and the party returned toward 
spring, after an absence of three months, with four or 
^ve Mexican women and children, one young Apache 
squaw, and eighty Apache scalps. They also brought 
over a thousand head of mules and horses. This was 
a grand triumph for our tribe, and they danced over it 
a week. I did not go with them on that trip, but, 
judging from what they told me, the distance was 
about three hundred miles. 

We spent the remainder of the cold season in hunting 
buffalo and other animals in small parties. Among the 
winter sports are wrestling matches, running foot-races, 
jumping, and horse-racing. At their horse-races, they 
frequently stake their horses, and their stakes, whatever 
they are, are always paid without any grumbling. 

The young Comanches (oftentimes the lads not over 
fifteen years of age) were educated and trained for the 
war-path in an amusing way. Two deer or wolf skins 
— sewed together, and cut somewhat in the shape and 
about the size of a man — are stretched on bushes, one 
such image on each side of the track to be raced over. 
Mounted on horses fleet as the wind, these boys go 
back three or four hundred yards. The horses are 
started, and come down the track at full speed, and, in 
passing the target, the young warrior must shoot an 
arrow through it, by throwing himself on the side 
of his horse, his weight held by his heel against the 
rear projection of his saddle. His left arm, with a 



38 OCCUPATIONS OF SQUAWS. 

shield on it, is thrown over the horse' s neck, grasping 
the bow, with the arrow in his right hand ; he mnst 
send the arrow through the target while passing. This 
is practiced in shooting with both the right and left 
hands. Bets are made on the young warriors, as to 
excellence of shooting. Right and left thrusts with 
lances are practiced in the same way. 

The women of the Comanche tribe are busy in the 
winter months at various kinds of employment. They 
cook, and wash, and make up garments with great 
skill, — for needles using awls made of thorns or sharp 
bones ; for thread they procure their material from 
a species of wild flax, which is pounded and rotted 
and twisted into thread, though they often used the 
sinews of wild animals. They were dexterous in the 
manufacture of clothing for themselves, their hus- 
bands, and children, making them up from skins they 
had dressed or tanned themselves, often ornamenting 
them with beads procured from the Mexicans or shells 
found in the river bottoms. They were generally a 
good-looking, hardy set of squaws, and made good, 
faithful wives. \X 

Their good health and toughness of constitution may 
be inferred from their system of midwifery, which was 
very simple, and not at all like that of our delicate 
American ladies. When the eventful period arrives, 
the Comanche squaw proceeds alone to a clump of 
willows or bushes by the banks of a stream, and, 
entirely unattended, performs all the necessary offices 
or duties, goes into the water and bathes herself and 
infant, wraps the babe in a wolf or other skin, and 
carries the little stranger back to camp, suspended on 
her back by a strap which passes over her forehead or 
around her neck. 



MOVING INCIDENTS. 39 

There is a rise made of looking-glasses sometimes in 
battle that was rather ludicrons. A Comanche will 
give a horse for a piece of a mirror. This he fastens in 
a shield, and is often able to dazzle the eyes of an 
enemy taking aim at him, and thns canse his shot 
to go harmlessly wide of its mark. In pillaging the 
honses of people living ont on the frontier, such relics 
were often obtained and brought home as very valuable 
trophies. If an unlucky trapper or emigrant, who 
happened to fall into their hands, had a hand-mirror 
for shaving and a silver watch, the mirror was prized 
as much the most valuable, for its wonderful reflecting 
properties ; while the watch would, perhaps, be broken 
up, and the pieces made into nose or ear ornaments for 
the squaws and papooses. 

In June, our chief told us we were all to meet the 
Arapahoes and Cheyennes, at the annual feast usually 
held in common by these three tribes. Then com- 
menced the operation of moving ; a long pole strapped 
to each side of a horse or mule, with a platform made 
on the parts dragging behind, sufficed to transport our 
tents and children. The squaws packed the horses 
and mules, and carried all that was not transported on 
the platforms. Many of the dogs belonging to the 
squaws are also made to do service, in "moving time," 
a small platform being arranged in the same manner as 
for the horses. Some of them will not submit to this 
treatment, and worry those that otherwise would, and 
many fights, often including the squaws who side with 
their respective dogs, are the result. The warriors, 
who 'ride on the flanks of the procession, leaving the 
pack-train to the care of the squaws, always appear to 
enjoy these little differences very much. Then the 
whole tribe of twenty thousand men, women, and 



40 MEETING- WITH ARAPAHOES AND CHEYENNES. 

children got ready to move. (The number of the tribe 
is, of course, much less now than at that time.) This 
required but little preparation, for Indians do not 
scatter out and leave themselves exposed to raids and 
attacks. They build their villages compactly, setting 
their tents thickly on the borders of some stream, 
keeping the old people in the center. These old men 
and women provide fuel, and busy themselves making 
bows and arrows for the use of the warriors. 

We had about one hundred and twenty miles to go 
to reach the feasting ground, which was on the Big 
Arkansas, between the point where that river is 
crossed by the Santa Fe road and Bent's Fort. John 
Batiste went with us, of course ; but this was the first 
time he had left camp since his capture. On the first 
day after we started, his horse threw him, which 
created a general laugh, for the Indians all despised 
him, and would have taken his scalp long before, if 
they had not been so attached to me. John was still 
unmarried, having never asked for a wife ; for he well 
knew that none of the squaws would look with favor 
upon him, as he was such a coward. 

As we expected, we met on the Big Arkansas about 
twenty thousand Arapahoes and Cheyennes, these two 
tribes being very friendly and mixing together. To 
me it was a lively scene, as I gazed on forty thousand 
people assembled in one grand mass meeting, with 
their tents and animals spread out over an area several 
miles in extent. We took a large quantity of pro- 
visions with us, killing some game on the way, and 
sent out daily hunting-parties, to provide food during 
the feast. 

The favorite dish of the Arapahoes and Cheyennes 
was dog, gelded and fattened, which they cooked in 



BALL PLAYING. 41 

covered pits in the earth, the bottoms of which were 
covered with burning coals and red-hot stones. The 
Comanches do not eat dog at home, but with these two 
friendly tribes, at their feasts, they partake. I never 
tried the flavor of the animal. 

Upon our arrival, " Old Wolf" introduced me to 
the Arapahoe chief, telling him I was his son-in-law ; 
said I was a brave fellow, reciting the killing of the 
Pawnee and the trip to Mexico ; and then, pointing to 
John, said he had a little heart and never stirred 
out of camp. Kit Carson and I have since had many 
a laugh at John Batiste about his little heart ; for we 
three had many an adventure after that on the plains 
together. 

The feast continued ten or fifteen days, and was 
enlivened by running horse-races, foot-races, and by 
playing ball. In these races and games, the Coman- 
ches bet horses against the Arapahoes and Cheyennes, 
and almost always win, so that, by the time the great 
feast is over, those two tribes are afoot! But "Old 
Wolf ' ' always gave them back a number of horses to 
go home with, and the different tribes went each their 
way in good humor and the best of spirits. The game 
of ball was played with crooked sticks, and is very 
much like our "shinney." The players are dressed 
with a simple breech-cloth and moccasins, and the 
game is always played with enthusiasm, and affords 
much amusement. They choose sides, and put up 
stakes on the result of these ball-games, as well as 
on the foot-races. As a spectator among these igno- 
rant "savages, I was highly amused and interested by 
these harmless festivities. 

The eighth day of the feast, I saw a white man 
coming toward our chiefs tent, in company with a 



42 KIT CARSON. 

number of Cheyennes. ".John," said I to Batiste, 
"they are bringing in a white man." They came to 
"Old Wolf," and the stranger, seeing me, opened 
a conversation, which I translated to the chief. The 
new-comer said his name was Kit Carson. He was 
mounted on an Indian pony, and was a man of slight 
build, small in stature, with long flowing hair, light 
complexion, with a piercing grayish eye, inclined to 
blue; and altogether his appearance was such that 
I took a natural liking to him. Afterward, in my long 
acquaintance of twelve years with him, I noticed that 
other men, even the Indians, were favorably inclined to 
Kit at first sight. I found, also, that he was a superior 
shot with his rifle and a remarkable rider, being familiar 
with many feats of horsemanship learned only among 
the Indians. Either he or I could with ease pick up a 
silver dollar from the ground, when going at full 
speed, mounted on the swiftest pony. We often, in 
idle hours, amused ourselves by one shooting apples 
held by the other on a sharp stick two or three inches 
in length. 

Carson said he was an old friend of the Cheyenne 
chief, and wanted to be friendly with the Comanches. 
He was a member of a trading company that were 
encamped not far from Bent's Fort, and he said he 
had beads, trinkets, and all sorts of merchandise for 
sale. "Old Wolf" was evidently suspicious and 
disposed to be hostile. He did not like to have me 
converse with Carson; but I got a chance to tell 
him privately, in the course of the two or three hours 
that he stopped in our camp, that he might say to 
the people at the fort, that John and I who were lost 
at "The Caches," were captives there among the 
Indians. He said he had heard about our being 



BATTLES WITH PAWNEES AND SIOUX. 43 

missed from a trappers' train, and that we were con- 
sidered as dead or captives among some Indians. To 
see us alive and well once more, was a very agreeable 
surprise. Kit soon left our camp, and returned to his 
trapping company, from seventy -five to one hundred 
miles from us, up the Big Arkansas. Before he left, 
he stated that " Peg-leg" Smith, a noted trapper, so 
called from his having a wooden leg, and Shawnee 
Spiebuck, one of the party I left home with, were 
in his party, and he had left them back in camp, to 
come here and see his old friend, the Cheyenne chief, 
and, if possible, to trade for furs. 

At the end of the feast, the three chiefs — Comanche, 
Arapahoe, and Cheyenne — held a council, in which 
they laid plans for the ensuing year, marking out 
routes for hunting and war parties, so they should not 
come in collision with each other, and arranged for the 
next feast, to be given on Comanche grounds to the 
Arapahoes and Cheyennes. Then our whole party 
started down the Big Arkansas. 

At the mouth of Ash creek, two hundred miles from 
the place of our late feast, we encountered a war-party 
of Pawnees, scalped twenty -three, and took all their 
horses. Thence, going up to the head of Ash creek, 
we encamped, sending out war-parties occasionally. 
After we had been in camp here about a month, we 
had a battle with the Sioux Indians, and here the 
Comanches were again victors. There were about four 
hundred engaged on each side, and we lost twenty-one 
of our warriors, but took about eighty scalps, while 
some of their dead were carried off the field. 

After burying our dead, we spent about two months 
dancing over the Sioux scalps and doctoring our 
wounded. After they were well enough to move, 



' 



44 ESCAPE OF MAKTIN. 

we went with a large war-party, one hundred and fifty 
miles, to the foot of the Rocky mountains, where we 
had an encounter with the Crow Indians, but suffered 
small loss ourselves. We remained in that vicinity 
about a month, when we started for our old home, 
traveling slowly, and killing meat on our way, reach- 
ing home in November. 

After laying up sufficient provision for the winter, a 
war-party of five hundred was organized to make a 
raid into Mexico. " Old Wolf" asked me to go ; but 
I excused myself, and urged Martin, our young cap- 
tive, to join the expedition. He consented, and they 
gave him a horse and gun, when he departed with the 
warriors, after smoking the medicine-pipe all around. 
I had some suspicion that he would find some way 
to escape. On the return of the warriors, two months 
afterward, they reported that, at Cerro Gordo, some 
five or six hundred miles distant, they were in the 
midst of a fight with Mexican troops, into which 
Martin had rushed with the rest, when suddenly they 
missed him, and afterward found his horse among 
their own. They supposed him to be killed; but 
such was not the fact, for, within a few years, I 
have seen him in Los Angeles county, California, 
where he is keeping a hotel. In that fight, our Co- 
manches fought the Mexicans about even, but whipped 
them, and brought home a lot of horses, brood mares, 
guns, ammunition, and several Mexican prisoners. 

We spent the remainder of the winter in the usual 
sports and in hunting, and in June the Arapahoes and 
Cheyennes came over to our village, on Little Red 
river, to hold the annual feast, according to agreement. 
At this feast there was a show of scalps taken during 
the year, and our tribe had the most, our chief showing 



45 

over a hundred ; while the other two tribes could only 
show about half that number. This feast and grand 
carnival lasted twenty days. 

At the usual chiefs' council, at the expiration of the 
feast, the Cheyenne chief advised " Old Wolf" to go 
to Bent's Fort and trade with the white people. He 
had done so, and liked them ; showed some presents 
he had received; said they were good people, — not 
like the Texans, but like me, and were of the same 
party as myself. " Old Wolf" agreed to go and have 
a talk with Bent the next year, when he should come 
around to feast with the Cheyennes; for the camp 
of the Cheyennes was not more than a day's travel 
from the fort. At this feast the Cheyennes complained 
of bad luck and a scarcity of horses, and " Old Wolf" 
made them a present of three hundred head, saying 
he knew where to find plenty more. 

During the ensuing year, we made some important 
raids into Mexico, and had a number of fights, travel- 
ing a large circuit with the entire tribe, sometimes with 
good success and sometimes quite the contrary. 

At the June feast among the Cheyennes, when I had 
been with the Comanches nearly four years, "Old 
Wolf" went with their chief, by invitation, to visit 
Bent's Fort, about twenty miles distant. Bent had 
learned from Kit Carson that John Batiste and myself 
were with the Comanches, and offered to buy us of 
" Old Wolf." He replied, that he would be willing to 
sell John for a jews-harp, but could not spare me, 
unless I was dissatisfied, and wanted to leave them. 
He sent a warrior back to our camp, saying we were 
wanted at the fort. While saddling our horses, my 
wife began to cry, but assisted in our preparations and 
finally decided to go with us to the fort, telling me re- 



46 

peatedly on the road that she wanted me to stay by 
her and not forsake their tribe. 

At the fort I met Kit Carson, Peg-leg Smith, and 
most of the men that belonged to the train with which 
I engaged nearly four years before. 

Peg-leg Smith, as has before been stated, received 
this name from the fact of his having a wooden leg. 
He was a stout built man with black eyes and gray 
hair. He was a hard drinker, and, when under the in- 
fluence of liquor, very liable to get into a fight. When 
he found himself in a tight place, his wooden leg 
proved very serviceable to him as he had a way of 
unstrapping it very quickly, and when wielded by his 
muscular arms it proved a weapon not to be despised. 

His love of liquor was his ruin, as he died about 
the year 1868, in a drunken fit, in Calaveras county, 
California. 

The whole party were much pleased to welcome 
John and me from our captivity, and, as might be 
imagined from previous descriptions of the leading 
men of the party, whisky occupied a prominent 
place in the rejoicing. Peg-leg Smith, at this, our 
first meeting, showed me what to expect of him in 
future, whenever he and whisky came together, and 
John and I found our heads hardly able to stand the 
many toasts drank to our good health. 

The whole party, " Old Wolf," and his companion, 
the Cheyenne chief, got very much elated ; and nearly 
every person in the fort smelt the whisky, if they did 
not get their feet tangled with it. About midnight a 
messenger came inside, stating that a thousand warriors 
were gathering around the fort. They demanded their 
leaders, fearing treachery ; they desired to know why 
their chief had not returned. I went out and explain- 



RANSOMED. 47 

ed that we were among good friends. They insisted on 
seeing "Old Wolf" himself. He, and my wife, and 
myself showed ourselves to them, and the chief made 
a speech, telling them that he and the Cheyenne chief 
were among good men who were friends to the Indians 
and presents would be given out the next morning. 

The warriors were pacified with these assurances, 
though they did not leave the vicinity of the fort. 
Next morning Bent gave our chief eight yards of cur- 
tain calico for John Batiste, and took possession of 
his property at once. Old Wolf made many objec- 
tions to disposing of me, but I was finally ransomed 
from the Indians for the trifling consideration of six 
yards of red flannel, a pound of tobacco, and an ounce 
of beads. 

My wife, who sat looking on was greatly distressed, 
cried bitterly, and would have gone with me if the 
chief had given permission, but he refused, saying he 
preferred to keep her, and that I could visit her often, 
if I chose, as I promised faithfully to do. I tried to 
comfort her by rigging her out gaily, giving her a 
variety of beads and a red dress, but this, although 
very pleasing to her Indian taste, hardly reconciled 
her to the separation. 

I took "Old Wolf" in charge and with a lieutenant, 
showed him all over the fort, letting him see the rifle 
port holes, and explaining how the fort could stand 
a siege against thousands of Indians. Finally we 
went out on the parapet where there was a six pounder 
at each angle. "Old Wolf" inquired how they 
could shoot that thing. By my request a blank 
cartridge was put in and the piece fired. The chief 
sprang back in amazement ; my wife came up to see 
what was the matter, and the Indians on the outside, 



■ 



48 TRADING. 

tinder the walls, knowing nothing of what was going 
on, ran away as fast as their legs could carry them, 
convinced that "Old Wolf" must be dead now, and 
their own safety depended on flight. The chief and I 
sprang up on the wall and signalled and shouted to 
them and they returned, asking in much astonish- 
ment, what kind of a monstrous gun that was. 

About noon, trading commenced. The Indians 
wished to come into the fort, but Bent prohibited the 
entrance of any but chiefs. At the back door he dis- 
played his wares, and the Indians brought forward 
their ponies, buffalo robes, and deer and other skins, 
which they traded for tobacco, beads calicoes, flan- 
nels, knives, spoons, whistles, jewsharps, &c, &c. 

He sold them whisky the first day, but it caused 
several fights among themselves before night, and he 
stopped its sale by my suggestion and with "Old 
Wolf' s ' ' consent. Indians do not waste time in fighting 
with their fists, but use knives and tomahawks, and a 
scrimmage among themselves is serious. There was 
considerable difficulty the first day, with drunken In- 
dians outside the fort, and two or three deaths resulted. 

The trading continued eight days and Bent reaped 
a wonderful harvest of what would turn to gold when 
shipped to St. Louis. "Old Wolf" slept in the fort 
every night except one, and every time he did, his 
warriors aroused him during the night and compelled 
him to show himself on the walls to satisfy them of 
his safety. 

On the morning of the ninth day the chiefs met 
and told Bent they were going home and would send 
out hunting parties, collect more skins and furs and 
come to trade with him every two or three months. 
"Old Wolf" told Bent that his goods were splendid, 



PAETIXG WITH SPOTTED FAWN. 49 

his whisky excellent and lie should furnish him 
with all the horses and mules he wanted by sending 
out parties and making raids into Mexico. Bent of- 
fered to give him the market price for all such stock, 
and had no conscientious scruples about the way the 
Indians obtained them. 

I reported to Bent concerning the two American girls 
and their two brothers I had found in camp when I 
was captured by the Comanches, and he made "Old 
Wolf" liberal offers for them, but the chief would not 
hear to anything of the kind. He replied that he 
was glad that he had got rid of John Batiste, for 
they were tired of supporting him as he had never 
killed any game or been useful. But he could not 
think of parting with the wives of his sons, and the 
little Brown boys, who were as wild, active, and ex- 
pert as Indians. 

I now had to part with my wife and little son, 
three years of age, which " Spotted Fawn" had brought 
along to the fort, probably as an inducement for me 
to remain with her. She had also brought with her 
from camp a fine bay horse which she knew I valued 
highly. This horse she left with me ; and picking up 
our child, with a tearful embrace, with a look of sor- 
row bordering on despair, and one wild, mournful 
shriek, she was gone from the fort. Her grief at the 
separation caused the poor woman to lose prema- 
turely her second child, as I have learned since. 

When "Old Wolf" bade me good bye he present- 
ed me with two mules, and to John Batiste he gave 
a pony. He liked his fare and treatment at the fort 
very much indeed. The variety of cooked dishes suited 
him, but the bread he disliked, saying it would be good 
to make a smoke-fire with to color their buckskins. 
4 



' 



50 



THE BROWN SISTERS. 



About three months after I was ransomed the chief's 
eldest son was killed during a raid into Mexico and 
the elder of the two American girls, who was thus 
made a widow, was sold to Bent and is now living in 
San Antonio, Texas. Matilda Brown, the younger 
sister, was sold to Bent, but the chief would not let her 
little half-breed son accompany her ; so after stopping 
at the fort three or four days, she declared herself 
unfit to live among white people, and returned to the 
tribe where she is still living or was a few years ago ; 
and her two younger brothers never could be induced 
to leave the Comanches. 




OHAPTEE III. 

IT was in 1839 when I was restored to the company 
of hunters and trappers with whom I had started 
out nearly four years before. It surprised me that 
the party had changed so little ; in fact the principal 
men were all here at the fort or out on a hunt and 
would soon be with us. Trapping for beaver and 
hunting game, &c, was the chief occupation of these 
traders and fur dealers whose head-quarters were at 
Bent' s Fort. About one hundred trappers were in the 
employ of Bent and his partners, and sometimes one 
half the company were off on the hunt ; sometimes 
more ; leaving a small force at the fort for its protec- 
tion, though a military company was constantly sta- 
tioned there with a small battery, which was consid- 
ered sufficient for its defense. 

When a company of trappers returned to the fort 
from a successful hunting trip, they were very jubi- 
lant and usually staid at the fort playing cards, drink- 
ing whisky and carousing, till a new party would 
organize and start off on another tramp, to be gone 
for several months, perhaps. 

I staid at the fort some three months and then went 
out trapping under the lead of Kit Carson, with Peg- 
leg Smith, Spiebuck, Shawnee Jake, and other Shaw- 
nees, with some hunters I had not seen before; in 
all the party numbered forty or fifty. 

Our destination was Picket Ware at the foot of 
Taos Mountain, ninety or a hundred miles from Bent's 



52 TKAPPING. 

Fort. In the region about " Picket Ware" and along 
Beaver creek we trapped and hunted four months. 
Altogether we captured over five hundred beaver 
and put up a great deal of bear bacon and bear's oil. 

Spiebuck and Shawnee Jake, with myself, were the 
principal hunters for meat. Out hunting one evening, 
between sundown and dark, I wounded an elk. Being 
so dark I could not see my rifle-sights clearly, I shot 
it too far back. It was so late I let it run and return- 
ed to camp. It ran up a ravine which opened out a 
mile and a half from camp. Knowing that a wounded 
elk invariably takes to the water and stays by it till 
he dies, I was satisfied that I should find my game in 
the morning near one of the sloughs or small pools of 
water scattered through the ravine. On my return to 
camp I enjoyed a luscious supper of Shawnee cooking, 
being a mixture of turkey, grizzly bear, beaver tails, 
and buffalo, all cooked together in the same pot. I 
may as well say here that bread forms no part of an 
Indian's diet, and in my four years of captivity I had 
lived on meat altogether, and had lost my appetite for 
bread. 

Perhaps the reader may never have heard of such 
a dish as beaver tails ; but I consider them the best 
meat that I ever fed on, when properly cooked. 
After supper, while lying around on our buffalo robes, 
smoking, I told my companions that I had wounded a 
splendid elk, close by, which I assured them I should 
be able to bring into camp the next morning. I also 
told them that grizzly bears were very thick in that 
part of the country, and we stood a good chance of 
finding one by the elk in the morning. 

I had a friend in camp, named John Mclntire, who 
proposed to go with me. I accepted his proposition, 



MclNTIEE AND THE GRIZZLY. 53 

though I had some doubts as to his fitness for a 
bear hunt, for he was perfectly green. I cautioned 
him of the danger in hunting grizzlies, but he had 
no fears, and insisted on going with me. 

The next morning I buckled on my tomahawk and 
hunting-knife, took my gun and dog, and accompa- 
nied by Mclntire, I started to see about the elk. On 
arriving at the ravine I instructed my friend to cross 
over to the opposite side and climb the hill, but by no 
means to go into the hollow, as the grizzlies were dan- 
gerous when they got a man on the down-hill side. 
I went directly to where I presumed the elk would be 
found, if he had died by the water-side, and as soon 
as I approached within a short distance I saw that a 
large grizzly bear had scented my elk and was mak- 
ing his breakfast out of him. 

He was in thick, scrubby oak brush, and I made 
my dog lie down while I crawled behind a rock to get 
a favorable shot at the animal. I shot him but he 
only snapped at the wound made by the bullet and 
started tearing through the brush, biting furiously at 
the bushes as he went. I reloaded my rifle as rapidly 
as possible to get in a second shot, but to my surprise 
I saw the bear rushing down the hollow, chasing after 
Mclntire who was only about ten steps in advance of 
the beast, and he was running for dear life, and 
making as much noise as a mad bull. The truth is 
Mclntire was scared and I hastened to the rescue, first 
sending my dog forward to help him. 

Just as the dog reached the bear Mclntire darted 
behind a tree and flung his hat in the bear's face, at 
the same time pointing his gun at him. Old grizzly 
seized the muzzle of the gun in his teeth and as it was 
loaded and cocked it went off either accidentally or 



54 FUES AND MEAT SENT TO BENT'S FOET. 

otherwise and blew the bear's head open, just as the 
dog fastened on his hind quarters. I ran to the assist- 
ance of my friend with all haste, but he was ont of 
danger, and had sat down several rods away with his 
face as white as a sheet and as badly frightened a man 
as I ever met. I commenced laughing and he became 
indignant, saying it was no laughing matter ; and I 
never got Mclntire out on any more bear hunts. He 
would cook or do any thing, but said he never in- 
tended to make a business of bear hunting. He had 
only wished for one adventure, and this one had 
perfectly satisfied him. 

After Mclntire had recovered from his fright and 
bewilderment, I told him to go to the camp and bring 
me the pack mules while I skinned and cut up my 
bear and elk. He returned shortly with four of the 
strongest pack mules there were in camp, and several 
Mexican packers. The bear being extraordinarily 
large, weighing probably one thousand pounds, and 
the elk of average size, they made a good load for each 
mule ; and when we returned to camp all hands were 
collected to enjoy a hearty supper. 

The adventure I had with Mclntire was too good 
to keep, so I explained to Carson and the rest of the 
company what a narrow escape and terrible fright 
Mclntire had, and they laughed at him so much that 
he declared he had no intention of hunting grizzly 
bears in future. 

Beaver and game now began to get scarce and we 
were ready to move again. We concluded to send 
twenty loads of furs and meat to Bent's Fort in 
charge of our packers. The Shawnee, Spiebuck, said 
he had been out and found a place where there was 
a plenty of game ^and lots of beaver, &c. It was at a 



l 




' 



FIKST LESSONS IN BUFFALO-HUNTING. 55 

place called Bald Buttes, about thirty miles north 
of us. We started off our pack train for the fort, 
giving them directions where to find us on their return. 
We arrived at Bald Buttes the second day after, and 
found it an excellent hunting ground for buffalo and 
trapping beaver, as Spiebuck had told us. 

We had a green Irishman, named O'Neil, who was 
quite anxious to become proficient in hunting and it 
wasn't long before he got his first lesson. We in- 
structed him that every man who went out of camp 
after game was expected to bring in meat of some kind. 
O'Neil said he would agree to the terms and was ready 
to start out that evening. He picked up his rifle and 
started for a small herd of mountain buffalo in plain 
sight, only three or four hundred yards from camp. 

We were all busy fixing up our new camp, some of 
us putting up tents and some cooking supper, when 
we heard Mr. 0' Neil's rifle in the distance, and shortly 
after the gentleman came running into camp, bare- 
headed, without his gun, with a bull buffalo close 
after him, both going at full speed, and O'Neil shout- 
ing like a madman, 

"Here we come, be Jasus. Stop us ! For the love 
of God, stop us !" 

Just as they came in among the tents, the bull 
not more than six feet in rear of the Irishman, who 
was frightened out of his wits and puffing like a loco- 
motive, his toe caught in a tent-rope and over he went 
into a puddle of water, head foremost and in his fall 
capsized several camp-kettles, one of which contained! 
our supper. But the buffalo did not escape so easily, 
for Shawnee Jake and I jumped for our guns and 
dropped the animal before he had done any father 
damage. 



56 INTERESTING CAPTURE. 

We all laughed heartily at O'Neil when he had got 
up out of the water, for a party of trappers show no 
mercy to one who meets with a mishap of this kind ; 
but as he stood there with dripping clothes and face 
covered with mud, his mother wit came to his relief 
and he declared he had accomplished the hunter's 
task, "For sure, " said he, "havn't I fetched the mate 
into camp, and there was no bargain whether it should 
be dead or alive, at all, at all." 

Upon asking O'Neil where his gun was — 

"Sure, " says he, "that's more than I can tell you." 

Next morning Kit Carson and I took his tracks and 
the buffalo' s, and, after hunting an hour or so, found 
O' Neil's gun, though he had little use for it afterwards 
as he preferred to cook and help around the camp to 
exposing his precious life in fighting buffaloes. 

One morning Kit Carson and I discovered some 
fresh signs of Indians while we were out on a tramp 
prospecting the chances for trapping. On our return 
to camp we warned our partners to keep a good look- 
out for them and not to stray away from camp with- 
out due precaution. 

The next day while out with a company, including 
Kit Carson and Spiebuck, we discovered that otter and 
beaver were plenty in the neighborhood ; before night 
we made an interesting capture of an old "Crow" 
Indian squaw, who was over one hundred years old. 
We took her into camp, fed her, and gave her a 
blanket to sleep on. None of us could converse with 
her except Peg-leg Smith, and he having lived among 
the Crow Indians could talk with her some, and gain 
a little information, though she was too old and timid 
to be very chatty with him even. 

Next day we divided into two parties for setting 



MEETING WITH CROWS. 57 

beaver traps, hunting game, &c, and at night one 
party reported in camp that they had discovered 
eight Crow Indians that day at some distance, but had 
no communication with them. Peg-leg Smith, who 
lost his leg among the Crows several years before and 
was acquainted with their habits and language, said 
he should like to hunt them up, and, taking only 
Shawnee Jake for a companion, sallied forth the next 
morning to visit the Crows ; though we offered to send 
an escort, they refused, thinking there was no danger. 
The rest of us were busy all day in hunting game and 
skinning our beaver and otter, having caught in our 
traps by the river side, seventy-six beaver and a dozen 
otter, which we thought good luck for the first night's 
trapping. At night all of us were gathered in camp 
except Peg-leg Smith and Jake, for whom we had 
fears, but concluded to wait another day for them to 
come in, and if we saw nothing of them, to then go 
in pursuit. The second night we had only caught 
fifty beaver and five otter, but on returning to camp 
we espied ten Indians near where we found the old 
squaw and they were apparently looking for her. 
After watching them awhile, Kit Carson advised us to 
show ourselves, as we might have some communica- 
tion with them. On discovering us they started to run ; 
but Kit placed a white handkerchief on his ramrod 
and made other friendly signs which induced them to 
stop, and one of their number cautiously approached 
to meet Kit, previously laying down his bow and 
arrows as Kit threw down his gun. After they had 
conferred alone, chiefly by signs, the Indians advanced 
to meet us, and after a good smoke all round they had 
confidence enough to go with us on our return to camp 
for they saw from our game that we were simply 



58 PARTING WITH THE CROWS. 

friendly hunters. When they saw the old squaw 
they were much pleased, and one Indian who looked 
about sixty years of age, said she was Ms mother 
and appeared very thankful that we had given her a 
blanket. 

Kit Carson said to us that as Peg-leg and Jake had 
not returned, we might keep these fellows as hostages 
and take their scalps, if they should not return. 

He felt so anxious that Spiebuck and I concluded to 
go with him to hunt up our missing comrades, and we 
finally found them returning to our camp in company 
with the Crow chief and four warriors. When we 
got in, there was great joy among the Indians to meet 
their chief. 

Smith declared the Crows rather treacherous, but he 
had a wife among them and lost his leg fighting for 
them, which would be a sufficient guaranty of our 
safety so long as he remained with us. The chief 
staid in camp till next day and Peg-leg Smith pro- 
posed to take Ms people to Bent's Fort to trade with 
Bent ; but the cliief declined as it was dangerous for 
the Crows to leave their mountain country, and get 
down among the Cheyennes, Comanches, and Arapa- 
hoes. But the chief was desirous to trade with the 
whites if they would bring their goods up there. Car- 
son immediately started a Shawnee Indian with a 
letter to Bent's Fort, over two hundred miles, with 
instructions to send him some goods on our pack 
mules, which had been sent down with furs. 

After the Indian and his letter had started to the fort, 
the chief and his warriors left, mostly on foot; but 
before going he assured us that none of us should be 
hurt and promised to come back in about a month to 
trade. Smith furnished the Indian with a pack mule 



RETURN TO BENT'S FORT. 59 

to carry his mother home and he returned with it in 
four days, according to promise. 

We kept on trapping and hunting there until the 
pack mules arrived with the goods from the fort. 
Bent sent four or five hundred dollars worth of goods 
and we traded them to the Crows for three or four 
thousand dollars worth of furs. Then we all returned 
to Bent' s Fort with our train heavily laden with furs 
and buffalo-robes. 

We stayed two or three weeks at Bent's Fort, re- 
cruiting up and having a good time with old friends. 
Bent was highly pleased with our trip. Trappers 
always have many thrilling yarns and funny stories 
to tell each other when they meet at head-quarters, 
and we had our share. Often did we have a good 
laugh over the adventures of Mclntire and O'Neil. 

Bent proposed that we should go back to the Crow 
nation and establish a post among them, but Carson 
objected on account of furs being scarce up there, and 
he considered that we had drained that market already, 
and he thought there were other places where we could 
do better. 

In a short time, we were ready for another hunt. 
Kit Carson, Peg-leg Smith, and myself, with a number 
of our Shawnee Indian trappers, started for New 
Mexico, going over what was called the Taos moun- 
tain. We stopped in Santa Fe some two or three 
weeks, meeting there Colonel Owens, Nicholas Gentry, 
and other traders from Independence, Mo. Soon after 
(in December, 1840), a report came that Albert Spey- 
ers' s train was snowed in on the Cimarron creek, about 
two hundred and fifty miles from Santa Fe, and that 
over four hundred of his mules were frozen to death. 
He had seventy -five wagons and ten mules to the 



60 A RELIEF TRAIN. 

wagon. All the American mules died, and the Mexi- 
can mules sustained life by eating off the manes, 
and tails from the dead carcasses. The snow was two 
feet deep, and the teamsters could make no fire, except 
by tearing up their wagon-boxes and side-boards, 
as the buffalo chips were all covered up, and the 
nearest timber was about ten miles off, at Cottonwood 
Grove. The storm had come on suddenly, and the 
cold was so intense that the animals had frozen, and 
their bones remain there to this day, which gave that 
place the name of Bone Yard. 

Colonel Owens came to me, when the report of this 
disaster reached Santa Fe, and, knowing I had been 
among the Comanches, he begged me to take charge of 
a relief train and start off immediately. As the route 
lay through a part of the Comanche country, and 
I spoke their language, he offered me a good price 
to go, and I consented. The train was fitted up with 
dispatch, and the mules, oxen, and provisions were 
soon ready. We had ten Mexicans to drive the loose 
oxen and mules, and teamsters to drive the wagons. 
A Mexican in the employ of Mr. Speyers, who had 
come in with the news, returned with us as guide. 
We were twenty days in reaching the perishing train, 
and found them in an awful situation. They had 
driven what mules remained alive to the cottonwood 
grove, ten miles away, and, loading part of them with 
wood, had taken it back to camp. They had also cut 
down immense quantities of the cottonwood trees for 
shelter, and the mules lived on the buds and bark. If 
the storm, which lasted several days, had not come on 
so fiercely and suddenly the first night, they might 
have saved the whole train, by starting at once for this 
grove. 



ALBEET SPEYEES. 61 

My trip for their relief was through a wild country, 
and, as we encountered deep snows, our progress was 
necessarily slow. We had four hundred mules and 
sixty yoke of Mexican cattle ; but it was hard work to 
move the heavy train of Mr. Speyers back to Santa 
Fe, for the starving mules, barely saved alive from the 
hunger and cold, could not pull much. The oxen 
were yoked in Mexican fashion, the yoke being lashed 
to the horns with rawhide, and the different yokes 
in the same team connected with rawhide ropes. They 
were driven by a man on each side, with a long stick 
or pole, having a sharp nail or spur on the end, which 
was used instead of a whip. 

We traveled slowly, enduring much suffering, and 
at times nearly freezing, till we reached Las Yegas, 
where we got more men and animals and were much 
relieved, making the balance of our journey into 
Santa Fe much easier. Our arrival produced great 
excitement, and our old friends were all glad to meet 
us and to learn of our safety. 

Speyers, if living, must now (1872) be quite an old 
man. He has done a heavy business in Kansas City, 
purchased largely in real estate, and, the last I heard 
of him, he had acquired a large amount of property. 
He was of German descent, tall and spare, with keen 
eyes, and his language, though somewhat broken, was 
always polite. He had a good reputation as a fair 
trader, and, at the time he was snowed in at Cimarron 
creek, the merchants of Santa Fe manifested the live- 
liest sympathy for him and his men, and showed the 
respect in which they held him, by doing every thing 
in their power for his relief. During my long ac- 
quaintance with him, I found him in all respects, a 
gentleman. 



62 PEG-LEG SMITH IN TROUBLE. 

On my arrival at Santa Fe, I went to hunt up my 
friends, Kit Carson and Peg-leg Smith, finding Kit 
in a Mexican hotel, and he gave me a cordial welcome. 
He said Smith was probably in a saloon near by, and 
that he had seen him drunk nearly every day since 
I left. Going over to the saloon, we found Smith in a 
fracas with two or three Mexicans, and, having un- 
strapped his wooden leg, he had knocked one Mexican 
down with it, and was hopping around on one foot, 
determined to knock down the others. Our arrival 
put a stop to his warlike demonstrations, and, after he 
had buckled on his wooden leg, we escorted him to 
our hotel. There we made him drink a cup of tea, 
and locked him up in a room to get sober. He was 
nearly dead with the horrors ; but we kept him con- 
fined there four days, during which he kept up a 
yelling that would have astonished a wild Indian. 
We took him in food and liquor in small quantities, 
and, at the end of four days, let him out, and kept an 
eye on him, to prevent the Mexicans killing him. 

We amused ourselves here attending several dances, 
or fandangoes, with Mexican ladies. The last fandango 
was a terribly exciting affair. At this ball, there were 
sixty or seventy Americans, most of whom were pretty 
hard customers, — teamsters, &c. We had hired two 
Mexican musicians to play all night for three dollars. 
One of them had a " fiddle" of his own manufacture, 
and the other an instrument he called a " guitar," but 
it was big enough to float a man. About midnight, 
the Mexicans, becoming jealous of the attentions of 
some of our party to the ladies, and exasperated 
by the manner in which the attentions were received, 
attempted to remove their lady friends and close the 
ball. By this time several of the party were in no 



A DANCING GOVERNOR. 63 

condition to be dictated to by any one, and, as the 
result of this attempt to remove the ladies, the room 
was quickly cleared of the indignant Mexican gents, 
the ladies willingly remaining, and the door placed in 
charge of one of our party. The dance then pro- 
ceeded for a while, the " music " being furnished by a 
half-way " fiddler" named George Stilts, who after- 
ward married Kit Carson' s daughter. 

After the ejected Mexicans had made an unsuccessful 
attempt, by the aid of a number of soldiers, to gain 
admission to the hall, they went to Governor Arcnijo 
(governor of the State of New Mexico), who resided at 
Santa Fe, with a complaint that the Americans were 
making a disturbance, and they could do nothing with 
them. The governor, with a strong body-guard, soon 
appeared on the scene, and demanded admittance, 
which was granted, on condition that he should leave 
his guard outside, only bringing his servant in with 
him. On entering the hall, he was warmly received, 
and, after partaking of the hospitalities of the party 
(mostly whisky), he felt in a dancing mood himself, 
but did not like our music, and so sent for his own 
musicians. 

By the time the music arrived, it was nearly four 
o'clock, and, as the presence of the governor was 
considered an event which required many pledges 
of esteem, the whole party, including the governor 
and ladies, was in a sad condition, and the dancing 
was any thing but graceful. The doors were not 
opened till nine o'clock, when those who could re- 
tired. 

There was a wicked joker in the American party, 
named Gabe Allen, who, when the governor yielded 
to sleep, had him carried to a room adjoining, and 



64 GABE ALLEN. 

laid on a bed between two women, who were in the 
same condition. About nine o'clock, the governor's 
wife, attended by two soldiers, came in search of him, 
fearing he might have received some bodily injury at 
the hands of the revelers. When her anxiety was at 
the highest pitch, she was conducted by Allen to 
the room where her husband lay in his drunken 
stupor. On seeing him and his companions, her 
anxiety changed to rage, and she "went for" him 
in a manner that was very pleasing to Allen, in his 
half-tipsy condition. After some words between the 
governor and his wife, Allen and I escorted him to 
his residence, where we left him to the tender mercies 
of his wife, who would listen to no explanations by 
Allen, tending to establish the innocence of her hus- 
band. 

Gabe Allen, the perpetrator of this practical joke on 
the governor, was a tall, slim, light-complexioned 
man, always ready for a joke or a perilous adventure.' 
I was associated with him much of the time for a 
number of years. He has acquired considerable 
property, and is now living at Wilmington, Los An- 
geles county, California. 

A few days afterward, two hundred Mexican troops 
came from the State of Chihuahua as an escort for a 
specie-train of pack-mules, in charge of a conductor, 
which money was delivered to the governor of New 
Mexico, our friend of the fandango. Two or three 
days after their arrival at Santa Fe, they called on 
the governor for payment for their services, which 
he objected to giving. . The soldiers formed on the 
square, and said they would have their pay or blood. 
The governor offered them a draft on the State of 
Chihuahua, which they refused to accept, as their 



DIFFICULTY WITH CHIHUAHUA SOLDIERS. 65 

orders were to collect pay from him for wliom the 
service was rendered. There were about one hundred 
and seventy Americans then in Santa Fe, and the 
governor called on them for assistance. I asked Kit 
Carson's advice on the matter, and he replied that he 
thought it was fair to help the governor out of this 
scrape, as he had befriended us in our difficulty with 
the Mexicans at the fandango. We all gathered our 
arms, excepting a few men left as a guard for our 
teams, wagons, &c, and presented ourselves to the 
governor, ready for action. By the time we reached 
the palace, the Chihuahua soldiers, on the plaza in 
front, were drunk and fighting among themselves. 
Our American friends, about one hundred strong, 
formed in line in front of the palace, in connection 
with about the same number of the governor' s troops. 
The governor now sent word to the officers of the 
Chihuahua troops that he was ready to fight any time 
they were. 

Gabe Allen and Kit Carson now interfered, and ad- 
vised a compromise, which was agreed upon, the 
governor agreeing to advance ration-money sufficient 
to take the Chihuahua troops home, and to pay thirty- 
seven and a half cents per day to each soldier for 
eighteen days of service, which money was immedi- 
ately distributed, and they were ordered to leave town 
instanter, or they would be put out. After some little 
delay and difficulty in the distribution, they moved 
off, out of the place, toward home, and the governor, 
being highly pleased, remarked, " It ' s now my treat.' ' 
We were all called into his grounds ; wines and differ- 
ent kinds of liquors were set out, and a jolly time 
commenced. Peg-leg Smith, hopping around on his 
wooden leg, with his rifle on his shoulder, got drunk. 
5 



66 engagement with speyers. 

as usual. As we all had our rifles, it was a mixed 
scene, warlike and yet convivial. 

Mr. Speyers finished recruiting his teams, repairing 
his wagons, &c, and, in the spring of 1841, started his 
train for Chihuahua. Myself and all the Shawnees 
were engaged by him, and went on with his train ; but 
Smith and Carson returned to Bent's Fort, in company 
with other trappers. 




CHAPTEE IT. 

VE met with no particular adventures, after leav- 
ing Santa Fe, until we had traveled about one 
hundred and fifty miles, to a small village on a 
tributary of the Rio Grande, when, one morning 
while driving in our mules and preparing to start 
the train, a band of Navajo Indians attacked us, for 
the purpose of creating a stampede among our mules. 
They did not succeed in getting any of our animals, 
and one of the Indians paid the forfeit of his life, as 
Spiebuck shot him at long range. 

We had no further trouble till we reached Dead 
Man's plain, some two hundred and fifty miles from 
Santa Fe. This desert is ninety miles wide ; and we 
rested on the border of it over one day, to rest our 
mules and provide water, preparatory to the terrible 
trial, as we were to travel night and day till we should 
strike the Rio Grande again. The morning we were to 
start across the desert, I was on guard with eight 
others, and, just before daylight, nine Apaches made 
a raid on us, stampeding our mules, running them 
over three or four of the guard, and breaking one 
man's ribs. In our train were seventy -five wagons, 
ten mules to each wagon, and there were about seven 
hundred of the mules run off. It was all done by the 
nine Apaches, who ran in among the mules, rattling 
buffalo hides and stones in gourds, scaring the animals 
fearfully. 

We were now in a bad predicament. Nearly all our 



68 PUKSUIT OF APACHES. 

mules were scampering over the plain, and our camp 
thrown into terrible confusion. As soon as possible, I 
mustered a party of eighteen, saddled our best remain- 
ing mules, and, taking some bacon and bread, started 
in pursuit ; feeling rather sore that the mules should 
be run off while I had charge of the guard, and deter- 
mined to bring them back, or leave my scalp with the 
Apaches. In our party I had James Littleton and 
several other Americans, with Spiebuck and some of 
the best shots among the Shawnees, — all picked men. 
We followed the tracks to the Rio Grande, and found 
the mules had crossed by the help of other Apaches, 
who had here joined the raiding, thieving Indians. 
The river was high, and we had to stop and hastily 
construct a raft to carry us over with ou/ rifles and 
provisions, swimming our horses alongside. This de- 
tained us all day, and at night we slept on the opposite 
bank, wet and chilly, but determined to give chase as 
soon as it became light enough to see the tracks. Spie- 
buck took the lead, and we followed as rapidly as 
possible. The fourth day, our bacon and bread gave 
out, and we had nothing to eat. The fifth day, the 
largest game we saw was jackass rabbits, of which we 
killed two and divided among the company of eighteen 
persons. On the sixth day, I shot a wolf, but its flesh 
was so poor and bad-flavored, that we could not eat it, 
but lay down that night, hungry and nearly discour- 
aged. The sixth night, we held a council to decide 
whether to return or go forward, which was decided in 
favor of going ahead to the next mountain, and then, 
if no smoke appeared, or other signs of Indians, we 
would return. The seventh day, upon reaching the 
top of the hills, we found one of the mules with a leg 
broken by getting into a crevice in the rocks. 



ATTACK OX APACHES. 69 

"Here is my off- wheel mule, Poor Old Ned," said 
Enoch Barnes, one of the Americans in onr party. 
We killed the mule and took off all his meat, packing 
it on the rear of our saddles, and proceeded down the 
other side of the mountain to a green flat, or "bottom," 
where we found good water and plenty of grass for our 
jaded animals. There we feasted on sweet mule-meat, 
without salt. Spiebuck said he was confident we 
should soon overtake the Indians, as the tracks were 
fresh. With only three hours' delay for feeding our 
animals and refreshing ourselves, we proceeded on 
our way, and just before sundown found two more 
mules that had given out. Spiebuck noticed that the 
animals were sweating, and remarked that the Indians 
were near. We took an early start the next morning, 
and soon arrived at the spot where the Indians had 
just broke camp, probably not two hours before. 
There was still fire burning, and remnants of a mule 
which had furnished their breakfast. Spiebuck, after 
closely examining the signs, said there were less than 
twenty-five Indians in the party. After going five 
miles further, we came in sight of our animals feeding. 
As the feed was good, the Apaches had stopped, and 
some of them were watching the stock, while nine 
were lying down in a hollow, apparently asleep. 
Dismounting from our mules, we advanced very 
cautiously, without being discovered, till we arrived 
on the bank above the sleeping Indians, when, each 
picking his man, we fired and killed or wounded the 
whole of them. At all events, we brought away nine 
scalps ; but there were ten or twelve more Indians on 
the other side of the ravine, who fled up the hillside 
and escaped, though we fired at them and pursued 
them a short distance. Then we gathered our animals 



70 

together and started back as quickly as possible ; for 
we were within one day' s travel of the Apache nation, 
and it was unsafe to stay long. 

We started back with more animals than we lost, for 
we gained several mules from the Apaches whom we 
killed. We were pursued and fired upon, just as we 
arrived at the Rio Grande, by two hundred Apaches. 
The river having fallen, we forded it quickly, and were 
not pursued beyond the river, for they knew we were 
prepared to give them a warm reception. We reached 
our camp safely with the mules, after an absence of 
two weeks, and found that our friends had given us up 
for lost, knowing the light stock of provisions we had 
taken and the extreme danger of the enterprise. 

There was great joy in camp when we returned. 
That evening we carried out a plan we had formed 
while on our return, to give those who remained in 
camp a taste of what we had encountered in the pur- 
suit. They came around us as we were unsaddling 
our mules, and, seeing what remained of Barnes's 
Old Ned, asked what that was. We very soberly told 
them it was venison, — the remainder of a fat buck we 
had shot. As they had been living for some days 
on bacon, beans, &c, they were all very anxious 
for pieces of it. We very generously supplied them, 
and soon a number of fires were started and the meat 
put down to roast. They all declared it to be the 
sweetest meat they ever tasted. After they had finished 
eating it, we disturbed their stomachs somewhat by 
telling them they had been feasting on Old Ned, whom 
they all knew very well, when some of them were dis- 
posed to resent it, but finally called it a good joke. 

Mr. Speyers, having given us up for lost, had gone 
back to Santa Fe, to purchase a fresh supply of mules, 



71 

and we immediately started a messenger to inform him 
of the recovery of his animals. He had not completed 
any purchases, and came back at once. Upon seeing 
us safe, and hearing of the perils of our expedition for 
the recovery of his mules, he was highly pleased, and 
paid us liberally, besides promising us one hundred 
dollars for each of the nine Apache scalps when we 
should arrive at Chihuahua, which promise he faith- 
fully kept. 

Owing to the jaded condition of the mules, Mr. 
Speyers sent several wagons back ten miles to a 
Mexican settlement for corn, and we rested five days, 
herding the mules under a double guard, day and 
night. On the sixth day, we started to cross the 
ninety -mile stretch of desert, where there is not a drop 
of water or a stick of wood. We started at 3 o'clock 
in the afternoon, and traveled till the next morning at 
9 o'clock, when we were compelled to lay by on 
account of the extreme heat. We resumed our march 
in the evening, and thus traveled for three nights. 
The second day, we were overtaken by two Mexican 
mail-carriers, who were nearly in a perishing condi- 
tion, for want of water and provisions, and we supplied 
them. The next night, while I was driving the forward 
team, I became very sleepy, and got off and walked 
alongside to keep awake. Suddenly I stumbled over 
a man lying in the road, and fell, with my hand 
striking his face, and my flesh crept on my bones 
when I discovered that his head and face were mashed 
and bloody. I stopped the train, and Mr. Speyers, 
who rode in a carriage, drove up, and was considerably 
frightened when he saw, by the light of his lantern, 
that the body was that of one of the Mexican mail- 
riders, who had been fed by us the day before. We 



72 FALSE ALAKM. 

found, a few feet distant, the body of the other unfor- 
tunate carrier, and both were fearfully gashed by 
tomahawks. 

Speyers ordered Spiebuck and a party of our Indian 
companions to go forward, and proceed cautiously, for 
fear of a surprise by the Indians. We picked up the 
dead men and placed them in a wagon, and gathered 
up the mails, which were scattered over the ground, 
taking them along with us. I did n't feel sleepy any 
more that night. We arrived at the Rio Grande the 
next morning, where we found a splendid camping- 
ground, and concluded to stop over one day, as there 
was plenty of grass, with wood and water. Here we 
buried the two mail-carriers. 

The Shawnees went out for game, and succeeded in 
killing four deer. They reported that they saw fresh 
tracks of Indians, and advised us to be careful. We 
were so apprehensive of an attack, that we took extra 
pains to secure our stock, and made a Mexican boy 
sleep among the mules, holding the bell-mare. This 
was a grayish spotted mare, that all the herd would 
follow. That night, after changing the guard, the 
camp was alarmed by the report of a gun, and by 
this Mexican running in with his mare. We inquired 
of him who fired the gun, and one of the guard, a 
Dutchman named Charlie Mayer, said he discharged 
his piece at an Indian who was skulking out beyond 
the mules, and said he, " Follow me, boys, and I '11 
show you the Injuns." A party went with him, and, 
discovering an object that, in the darkness, resembled 
an Indian, they fired into it ; but, as it did not move, 
they went up to it, and discovered that it was only 
a black stump, and they returned to camp badly- 
sold. Mr. Speyers, noticing the stump, the next 






ATTEMPTED SURPEISE. 73 

morning, with two bullet-holes in it, said it was good 
target-practice for night- work. 

Next day we proceeded to a place called Dona Anna, 
where Mr. Speyers reported to the authorities the 
deaths of the two mail-carriers, and delivered their 
mail, or what there was left of it. He decided to rest 
there that day, and bought feed for his stock of the 
Mexicans. I had the ill-luck that day to break the 
main-spring of my rifle, and, as I was to have charge 
of the guard that night, Mr. Speyers gave me a double- 
barreled shot-gun, which I put in order and loaded 
with fifteen buck-shot to each barrel. Our animals 
were turned into a held that had no fence on one side, 
next the river, for it was a bluff bank, four or five feet 
high. The Mexicans told us to beware of certain 
Indians who were lurking about, stealing horses, &c, 
while they pretended to be friendly. My guard came 
on duty at midnight, and, after placing them at favor- 
able points to protect the mules, I took my station on 
the river-bank, near a cottonwood-tree. 

Soon after I had thus taken my position, I saw a 
mule looking across the river as though some object 
attracted his attention. Turning my eyes in that direc- 
tion, and looking sharply, I noticed a shadow approach- 
ing the river from the other side, which I soon made 
out to be an Indian, advancing silently into the water. 
The mule, becoming more alarmed at this, snorted. 

' ' What ' s that \ ' ' whispered Amos Hambright, one 
of my guard, a few steps distant from me. 

"Keep still," I answered in a low tone, moving 
toward him, and keeping the cottonwood-tree between 
me and the Indian. 

I cocked my gun, and got down behind the tree, as I 
knew the fellow would come up the bluff by the path, 



74 SHOOTING A EAIDER. 

wMcli would cause him to pass within a few feet of the 
tree. When he had got half-way across the river, he 
was alarmed by the mule snorting a second time, and 
paused for some minutes, but finally came over and 
began crawling up the bank toward me. When he 
had got within two or three lengths of my gun, there 
was another snort from several mules in the vicinity, 
and the Indian stooped down, with his back toward 
me and his face near the ground, to listen. I thereupon 
poured into the small of his back fifteen buck-shot, 
which killed him instantly. At the noise of my gun, 
I heard a clatter of hoofs on the opposite bank of the 
river, and a " What 's the matter? " from Hambright, 
who came running up. 

"Matter enough, " I answered; "I 've just killed 
an Injun, and there are plenty more on the other side." 

The mules stampeded, and the Mexican bell-boy, 
who had foolishly tied the bell-mare to his leg, and 
laid down for a nap, was dragged some distance over 
the field, with the frightened animals trampling on 
him. Not hearing from him, we went in search, and 
found the poor fellow insensible, with his face mashed 
and his ribs broken in. He was untied and taken to a 
wagon, where he remained some time before coming to, 
and he was on the sick-list for a good while after. The 
bell-mare was led into our corral, which was formed 
near the road on the outside of the fence, by ranging 
the wagons in a circle, with the wheels tied together by 
ropes, and an opening at one side like a horse-shoe. 
The mules all followed the mare into the corral. 

" Who fired that gun? " inquired Mr. Speyers. 

" I did," was my reply. 

"Did you shoot another black stump?" was his 
next question. 



75 

" No," I said ; "I did n't shoot a black stump, but 
I shot a mighty black Indian." 

" I would rather see him than to hear tell of him," 
said he. 

Several of us took a mule down to where the Indian 
lay, and, tying a rope around his neck, we fastened 
it to the pommel of the saddle, and dragged the man 
into camp! 

"Mr. Speyers, here's your stump," I said, with a 
laugh. 

"Wot much stump about that fellow," said he, 
gazing at him in surprise. 

" Will you have him scalped, or take him as he is?" 
I asked. 

" He will do as he is," said Speyers. 

The Indian was scalped, however, and dragged off 
and thrown into a hollow. The mules were let out 
of the corral again to feed in the field, as soon as we 
saw there was no more danger; while I reloaded my 
gun, and went back to my station, seeing no more 
thieving Indians that night. 

At breakfast, next morning, Mr. Speyers told me he 
thought he should raise his price for the scalps of such 
Indians as that, and this one was worth about one 
hundred and fifty dollars. He was the biggest Apache 
I ever saw, measuring full six feet four inches; but 
usually the Indians of that tribe are rather under size. 

That afternoon, while we were moving down the Rio 
Grande, nearly one hundred Apaches appeared on the 
other side of the river, and made signs and called to us 
in Spanish, that they were friendly, and wanted to 
make peace with us. Spiebuck shot one of them, 
at the same time calling out, that was the peace he had 
for them. They then dispersed, and we saw no more 



76 PASO DEL NORTE. 

Indians for some time. The third day after this, we 
arrived at the Mexican town of Paso del Norte, a 
place of some eight thousand inhabitants. The cross- 
ing of the river here is dangerous, as its bed abounds 
in quicksands. We had to double teams to each 
wagon, and cross one at a time, keeping in motion; 
for, if allowed to stop, the wagon and mules sink 
immediately. Notwithstanding our precautions, one 
of our heaviest loaded wagons halted in the middle of 
the river, and at once sank, till all the goods were wet, 
and we had to pack the load ashore on our men's 
backs, before the wagon could be drawn out. 

We remained at Paso del Norte six days, recruiting 
our mules and drying our goods. We spent the time 
very pleasantly, among other pleasures attending sev- 
eral fandangoes. The place is handsomely built up. 
Fruits and grain are abundant, and the land is rich 
and well-watered by irrigation. At this point, the 
river becomes the boundary between New Mexico and 
Chihuahua. 

The seventh day after our arrival, we renewed our 
journey down the right bank of the river, and made 
about fifteen miles, when we camped. Spiebuck said, 
as we were pretty well out of danger now from the 
Apaches, he would go out and get a deer. Some half 
an hour later, we heard several shots in the direction 
he had gone, and ten of us mounted and started off to 
see what was the matter, and, after traveling a short 
distance, we saw about twenty Apaches, armed with 
guns, bows, and arrows, fighting with Spiebuck, who 
was nowhere to be seen. The Indians ran when they 
discovered us, and we, fearing they had killed Spie- 
buck, commenced a search for him, finding him in 
a little cave barely large enough for him to lie down 



SINGLE-HANDED EIGHT WITH APACHES. 77 

in, the mouth, of which was nearly closed by a large 
stone. He could load his riile while he lay on his 
back as well as standing up, and, using the rock at the 
mouth of the cave (which was a good protection for 
his head) as a rest for his rifle, he could pick off 
the Apaches at a long range. He had killed three 
of them in this manner, and escaped with slight injuries 
himself, though around the rock were battered bullets 
and an armful of arrows. He had got one eye full of 
sand, but thought the three scalps he took off the 
Apaches' heads a good thing, and better than so many 
deer. He went into camp with the scalps elevated on 
a pole, and attracted much attention. Mr. Speyers 
complimented him for his bravery, and promised him 
three hundred dollars for the scalps at Chihuahua, 
from the authorities. 

We traveled one day more down the Rio Grande, 
and then, leaving the river, took a southerly direction 
straight for Chihuahua, arriving at Sacramento, about 
fifteen miles from Chihuahua, the fourth day after 
leaving the river. Here we discharged and "cached," 
or concealed, four wagon-loads of contraband goods, to 
escape seizure at Chihuahua, and left four of our 
Shawnees to watch them. The next afternoon, we 
arrived, with our train, before the custom-house at 
Chihuahua, and an officer and ten privates watched 
our wagons, to see that no goods were taken out till we 
had paid the duties. The next day, we were allowed 
to discharge our freight, and the first thing Mr. Speyers 
did was to establish a store for trading purposes. 

Some six days after our arrival at Chihuahua, an 
American named Riddle volunteered to brins; in the 
concealed goods left back at the " cache," saying he 
could do it without danger. Mr. Speyers told him to 



78 FAIR AT SAN JUAN. 

bribe the custom-liouse officer, and he consented. So 
did the custom-house officer consent, for he had been 
bribed before. I was detailed to assist in bringing 
in these goods to the city. The customs official in- 
structed us as to which side of the city to come in, 
agreeing to meet us a mile from town. He met us, 
with a file of ten soldiers, about midnight, and escorted 
us secretly to a room, where our goods were dis- 
charged, and the official was paid one hundred dollars, 
which he said was a good night's job, —far better than 
he expected, and more than he could make in a month 
out of government ! His soldiers were each presented 
by Mr. Speyers with a dollar, a pair of shoes, and 
a bottle of whisky, the last of which they could fully 
appreciate. 

We stayed in Chihuahua some two months (Novem- 
ber and December, 1841), enjoying ourselves very much 
among the Mexicans of both sexes, who were remark- 
ably friendly, as we had plenty of money. 

Being out of employment, and ready for an adven- 
ture, I was selected, with several others of the party, 
to go with a train of wagons loaded with goods for the 
fair at San Juan, which place is very central and con- 
venient for people to meet from all parts of Mexico. 
This trip occupied eighteen days. This fair is the 
worst place I ever saw, for thieving, gambling, and 
vice of all sorts. The rich people play a game called 
monte, at which they sometimes stake thousands of 
dollars ; while the lower classes indulge in bull-fights, 
cock-fights, and all sorts of low gambling. The place 
is situated near the San Juan river, under a hill, and 
there are not over four thousand inhabitants when 
there is no fair. This great carnival lasts from fifteen 
to twenty days, and is thronged by Mexicans, Ameri- 



MEETING WITH COMANCHES. 79 

cans, French, Germans, Spanish, and all sorts of 
people, to the number, perhaps, of fifty thousand. 
At the close of the fair, which is intended for trading 
purposes mainly, we started on our return. 

One morning, while we were on our homeward 
journey through the state of Durango, moving quietly 
along, the train of seventy wagons being stretched 
along some two miles, I, being in advance, discovered 
a body of about four hundred Indians. On their 
approach, the alarm was passed along to the rear 
of the train : " Corral your wagons and teams ! Fix 
for a fight ! The Indians are coming ! " 

Putting a white flag on the ramrod of my gun, I 
made directly for the Indians; for, by certain pecu- 
liarities, I knew they were a war-party of Comanches, 
who were on a Mexican raid. One of the party ad- 
vanced to meet me, in response to signals I had made, 
and, after each had dropped our arms, we advanced for 
a friendly greeting. All my friends were calling out to 
me to come back, or I should be killed. They were not 
aware of my acquaintance with the Comanches, nor of 
my being able to speak their language. Upon meeting 
the Indian, he knew me in a moment, jumped from his 
horse, and embraced me. He inquired if those were 
my teams, and I replied that they were. I asked after 
my wife and child and other friends in their tribe. He 
said they were well, but that my brother-in-law (" Old 
Wolf's" son), the first chief, had been killed, and that 
he was chief in his place ; also, that Henry Brown, the 
next in command, was back in their war-party. I told 
him to wait for me, and I would go and get them some 
presents. 

I soon returned, with pipes, tobacco, flannel, and 
handkerchiefs for the Comanches, and, meeting the 



80 EXPLANATIONS TO FEIENDS. 

chief again, we went back to where he had left his 
warriors formed for battle. Upon arriving among them, 
they all knew me, dismounted, and formed a ring for 
smoking. I saw Henry Brown, and had a sociable 
smoke with him and the chief. Henry could not be 
told from an Indian, except by his long red hair, which 
hung in plaits over his shoulders. 

They asked me if I knew where the Mexicans had 
any horses. I answered that there were horses in 
almost every direction, probably ; but the country 
was new to me, and I was on a peaceable trading expe- 
dition. We then mounted our horses, and they told 
me not to be afraid of them, but turn our mules out to 
feed at night, and they would not molest them. Then, 
with a rousing war-whoop, they darted away over the 
plain. 

On my return to the train, our owners and teamsters 
all gathered around me, asking what the Indians had 
said. I told them not to be uneasy ; that I spoke the 
Comanche language, and they were friendly Coman- 
ches, with a captive American among them, who was 
second chief. They inquired how I came to know 
their language, and I explained by telling them of my 
four years' experience among them. They were so 
thankful for this providential escape from the Indians, 
that they made up an extra purse of one hundred and 
fifty dollars for me on our return to Chihuahua. 



CHAPTEE V. 

SOON after I returned to Chihuahua, I was informed 
that a white man, named James Kirker, a Scotch- 
man, was chief of the Apache nation, and that the gov- 
ernor of Chihuahua had offered a reward of nine thou- 
sand dollars for his head. The Apaches had stolen great 
numbers of mules from the State of Chihuahua and 
sold them in New Mexico, through Kirker' s agency. 
He had sold the property and put the money in his 
pocket intending never to return to the Apache nation. 

Kirker was a blue eyed, gray haired and gray 
whiskered man, about fifty years old, short and stout, 
weighing probably about one hundred and seventy- 
five pounds. He was a very hard drinking man, which 
may have had some connection with his mysterious 
death, as he was found dead in his cabin at Mount 
Diablo, California, in 1852. He died poor, as his 
habits were such that he could never keep what he 
acquired. 

After the governor offered the reward for his life, 
Kirker desired to treat with him, and proposed to help 
him kill off the Apaches, as he knew their traits, and 
would turn against them if the governor would co- 
operate with him and spare his life. This proposal, 
which was sent by a friend, was accepted, and he soon 
came down to Chihuahua for a conference with gov- 
ernor Trios. 

He stated that he had been taken prisoner by the 
Apaches while trapping; that he had no sympathy 



82 JAMES KIRKEK. 

with them, but had taken the part he had to save his 
own life ; and that this was the first chance he had to 
escape from them. 

Mr. Kirker then came to ns Americans and Shawnees, 
who had come from various quarters as teamsters and 
guards, and were now out of employment. Spiebuck 
was at the head of the Shawnees of our party, and they 
numbered about seventy, and of the Americans there 
were nearly a hundred in the city who regarded me as 
their leader, now, as Kit Carson was absent at Bent' s 
Fort. 

Take the party all together they were a fearful set to 
behold. But the Shawnee trappers and guards har- 
monized very well with our teamsters and hunters, as a 
general thing, especially when any danger was feared, 
or an expedition planned against the savages. Then 
all hands were united as one common brotherhood ; 
and we would fight certain tribes of Indians for the 
fun of the thing, and for common humanity, even if 
we were not offered a reward for every scalp. 

Mr. Kirker asked us, when we were mostly assembled 
together, whether we wanted to go out on an expedi- 
tion to fight the Apaches. 

Spiebuck, speaking for his band, said if the govern- 
ment of Chihuahua would give him fifty dollars for 
each scalp, he would go along with us, and risk but 
what he could clear his expenses. This proposition 
was accepted, the rest of us consenting to the arrange- 
ment, with the proviso that we were to have all the 
animals we should capture. 

We at once commenced organizing our company in 
the "Bull Pen," or place for bull fighting. Here we 
stored our arms, ammunition, and accoutrements for 
our mules until our company was fully organized and 



STARTING FOR APACHES. 83 

equipped for service, which did not take long, as we 
were all anxious to be on the road. 

We got a job, sooner than we expected, which prom- 
ised to be a good thing. There was a rich Mexican in 
Chihuahua who sent his pack train of sixty or eighty 
mules every year to the Mexican coast for goods. On 
its return this year, 1842, every man accompanying 
the train, excepting one, was killed within ten miles of 
Chihuahua, by the Apaches, and the mules and goods 
taken away by them. The single person who escaped 
came into the city and reported the facts of the mas- 
sacre and robbery, when the proprietor of the pack 
train came directly to us and promised that he would 
give us half of all the mules and goods we could 
recapture from the Indians. 

That night we packed our provisions, mounted, and 
started off. We requested Mr. Pores, the owner of the 
train, to send the escaped Mexican to show us where 
the murders were committed. Spiebuck said all he 
wanted was to get on the track and he would soon fix 
the Indians. In the morning we arrived at the place 
of massacre, and found nine dead bodies horribly 
mutilated, and scalped. We were cooking breakfast 
when men, sent by the Mexican authorities at the re- 
quest of Mr. Pores, arrived to take the dead bodies 
into the city. After a hasty breakfast, we took the 
tracks of the Indians, with Spiebuck leading our party, 
and after going four miles found a dead mule. This 
mule was loaded with sugar, and had given out and 
been lanced and left by the Apaches. We took off the 
pack saddle and the sugar, putting it on an extra mule 
of our own. 

That night we reached the Indian camping ground of 
the first night, finding rice, coffee, and sugar scattered 



84 ATTACK OTf APACHE THIEVES. 

about. We stopped there for rest and feed, and, start- 
ing early, proceeded ten miles further the next morning, 
where we found several more mules which had given 
out and been left to perish with their valuable loads 
strapped to their backs, the Indians having no means 
of saving the freight. We secured this property, leav- 
ing a guard to watch it, and pushing ahead with all 
the speed we could muster out of our tired animals, 
we overtook the rascals the third day, and Spiebuck, 
who was in advance, bade us stop, so that he could 
reconnoitre and find out the force of the enemy. 

When he returned he reported that the Indians were 
all drunk. . They had traveled as they supposed be- 
yond danger, and having found a quantity of liquor in 
their capture, were enjoying a good spree. There were 
forty- three of them, some dead drunk and some asleep, 
so we concluded that from their tipsy condition they 
would be an easy prey. 

We opened out, dividing into two squads, so as to 
attack from opposite sides, and reached them before 
they noticed our approach. They were so completely 
taken by surprise that but few guns were discharged, 
the most of them being killed with knives and toma- 
hawks. The Shawnees immediately scalped the whole 
lot, and Spiebuck took charge of the ghastly trophies, 
giving them a little dressing of salt, to preserve them 
till we saw the governor again and got the money for 
them. We recovered sixty mules belonging to Mr. 
Pores, and captured besides forty -three Apache horses 
and mustangs. We camped on the spot that night, as 
some of our numerous company of Americans and 
Indians were about as fond of liquor as the Indians we 
had killed ; and finding some choice wines and liquors 
in some of the mule packs, they soon were in no con- 



AN APACHE VILLAGE. SO 

dition for traveling, and it was difficult to find enough 
sober men for a guard for the animals. 

As we were within two days' march of the principal 
village of the Apaches, we decided to secrete our 
goods, which were mostly of a valuable character, and 
leave behind us such animals as we should not need, 
with a guard over all, and with about one hundred and 
fifty men all told, push on and destroy the village, 
securing what scalps we could. Nearly every man 
was armed with a rifle and pair of six shooters, and we 
were confident of the result. We were guided by 
Kirker and a Mexican half-breed, who had lived 
among the Apaches when Kirker was their chief, who 
were in advance with Spiebuck. 

After two days' travel we approached the main In- 
dian camp, and Spiebuck bade us halt our train while 
he went forward to take a look at their position and 
learn their strength. He returned saying they were 
over a thousand in number, counting the women and 
children, but did not fear the result. However, he 
made Kirker go forward and reconnoitre with him, and 
they both returned confident that the odds were in our 
favor. We moved our stock into a low ravine about a 
mile and a half from the village, and left six men to 
watch them. The balance of us went up on the top of 
a hill, where we could look down into the village with- 
out being discovered. 

The view was splendid. The sun was just setting. 
Their lodges were thickly spread out in a pine grove 
close to a lovely lake some six or eight miles across. 
The sheet of water, so beautifully smooth, resembled 
a mirror among the hills, and there was scarcely a 
sound to break the stillness that reigned throughout 
their camp. Presently, a little after sunset, we discov- 



1/ 



86 PLAN OF ATTACK. 

ered a war party of seventy or eighty Apaches return- 
ing to the village, from the direction of Sonora ; and 
as they came around the edge of the lake, we saw that 
they had scalps, and made up our minds that if we let 
them alone till daybreak we should do better ; for, no 
doubt they had made a capture of liquor, and would 
have a drunken war dance that night, which proved to 
be the result. Spiebuck suggested the delay, and his 
advice was always respected by Kirker and the rest 
of us. 

We lunched on some provisions we had brought, 
and then all laid down to get a little sleep till the guard 
should call us, at three o'clock in the morning. Then 
we jumped up, and, forming into two parties, made 
preparations for the attack. 

The day was just breaking ; and Spiebuck, who had 
been down looking at the enemy from a short distance, 
said they were nearly all overcome with liquor, and 
most of them asleep. Three or four, however, were 
staggering around a camp fire, and it was important 
that we proceed very cautiously. Kirker led one of 
our parties around on one side of their camp, while 
Spiebuck and myself led the other and posted it on 
the opposite side of the camp. Kirker had a whistle, 
which he was to blow when all was ready, and then we 
were to rush in with yells, shoot all we could at the 
first discharge, and then finish up with our knives and 
tomahawks. 

There was a huge negro in our company, named 
Andy, who had loaded his musket with buckshot. I 
placed him not far from me, and close to one of the 
outside lodges, giving him orders not to fire until he 
heard Kirker' s whistle. 

Soon, an Indian came out of the lodge near Andy, 



THE ATTACK. 87 

and he blazed away, without waiting for orders. He 
must have put a handful of buckshot in his gun, for 
the savage was fairly riddled. The negro was kicked 
over backwards by the gun, and the barrel flirted out 
of the stock. Upon this alarm, both parties rushed 
into the light. I had been looking at two Indians, 
sleeping in a lodge not ten steps from me, and I jumped 
for them, leveling my rifle at one, while the other ran 
on all fours, between my legs, as I stood in the door- 
way, rising with me on his neck. I managed to slip 
off his back in a hurry, and was going to knock him 
down with the gun, but he ran a little distance and 
undertook to shoot me with an arrow, but a slug from 
my rifle hitting him between the shoulders, his arrow 
fell at my feet, harmless. The other Indian escaped 
from the opposite side of the tent just in time to save 
himself from a charge out of my revolver. 

Spiebuck got into a lodge where there was a drunken 
warrior asleep among three or four squaws and pa- 
pooses. He shot the man, and tomahawked the women 
and children. By this time our forces were hotly en- 
gaged all over the camp, making every shot tell with 
fearful effect on the drunken and affrighted savages, 
who were running in all directions. Our Shawnees 
fought like devils, with their knives and tomahawks, 
after they had discharged their guns ; while our Amer- 
icans, using their rifles and revolvers, were fast driving 
the miserable Apaches into the lake, or pursuing them 
across the valley. 

I was reloading my rifle, when I noticed the negro, 
Andy, had caught up his gun barrel and was chasing 
an unarmed Indian. He threw the gun barrel with all 
his force after the Indian, and it struck him in the 
back of the head, knocking him down. Before he 



88 REBUKE TO KIEKEK. 

could arise, the negro was on him. With an old 
butcher knife he then undertook to stab the Indian, 
but the knife struck a rib and glanced off. It was a 
fierce tussle, and might have resulted badly for Andy, 
if one of our party, named Eobert Fry, had not rush- 
ed in and clubbed the Indian with his gun, after which 
Andy dispatched him easily. 

Many of the Apaches sought refuge in the nearest 
mountain, while others rushed into the lake and were 
drowned or shot. We lost the chance of taking a 
great many scalps, from bodies which sunk in the 
lake, but as it was, we took one hundred and thirty- 
nine, and should have got many more if the brave but 
stupid negro had not discharged his gun prematurely. 

The Apaches had their animals in a bottom, or flat, 
near the lake, and they started to run them off. They 
were followed by the Shawnees, who forced them to 
abandon the attempt, and they had to flee for their 
lives, while the Shawnees gathered together nearly a 
thousand horses, mules, and mustang ponies. Truly, 
a valuable prize. 

The Indian chief, "Cachese," had recognized Kirker 
as the leader of this attacking party, who had made 
such fearful havoc with his tribe, and when he had 
reached the top of the hill with some of his followers, 
who were fortunate enough to escape, he turned 
around to look at the destruction of his camp. Kirker 
was gazing at him ; and when the Apache chief saw 
Kirker, he asked him what he meant by fighting them 
in this manner. Was he not their war chief? And 
had they not treated him like a brother always \ And 
was he no longer their friend % 

Turning to flee, with the feeble remnant of his once 
powerful tribe, he declared in a loud voice, intended 



PUNISHMENT OF ANDY. 89 

for many of us to hear, that Kirker was the last white 
man he would ever put any confidence in. Kirker felt 
the rebuke keenly, but allowed the broken-hearted 
chief to escape. 

Kirker ordered me to take twenty men, at once, and 
go and bring in our animals, and the six men, which 
we had left behind in the ravine. This I did without 
delay, for there was some danger of- their being cap- 
tured by the retreating Apaches. When we had got 
them united with the thousand animals taken from the 
Apaches, we were all ready to start on the return trip 
to Chihuahua, provided our Shawnees had finished 
scalping the Apaches. , \f 

On my return to the grove, among other startling ' 
and singular spectacles, was our negro Andy, tied to a 
tree, and groaning, and calling loudly for help. Kir- 
ker and Spiebuck took this method of punishing him 
for firing his gun too soon. By my advice, the poor 
fellow was released ; but not till after Spiebuck had 
threatened his life if he ever disobeyed orders again. 
He said the reason he did not scalp him then was be- 
cause his kinky, wooly scalp would not fetch a cent. 

Among the slain, was found the body of our Mexi- 
can half-breed guide, who had assisted in piloting us 
to this place. He had got frightened when the fight 
commenced, and started to run, when a Shawnee had 
thrown a tomahawk at him, which struck him on the 
head and killed him. 

"Here," said Spiebuck to some of his Shawnees, 
"scalp that fellow." 

"No," we replied, "he is our guide." 

"No difference," answered Spiebuck, "he is dead 
now ; he won't know it ; and his scalp is worth fifty 
dollars, and is as good as any." 



90 ANCIENT KUINS. 

So they scalped our friend, to please Spiebuck. 

At this fight, we rescued a number of Mexican wo- 
men and children, and made prisoners of nineteen 
young Apache squaws. In scouting around the head 
of the lake, on the opposite hill-side we found about 
three hundred head of sheep and goats, which the 
Apaches had no doubt stolen from the Mexicans, and 
we took them to camp and gave them in charge of the 
Mexican women and children. 

We found, close to this lake, on a small stream of 
water, some ancient ruins, — the cement walls and 
foundation stones of a church ; and a lignum vitse 
cross, which seemed as sound as ever it had been. We 
also found remains of a smelting furnace, a great 
quantity of cinders, and some dross of silver and 
copper. From the appearance of the ruins, it seemed 
as if there had once been a considerable town there. 
The lake was the head waters of the river Yagui. 

Gabe Allen, who was in our company, found in a 
hollow, a piece of gold, nearly pure and weighing ten 
ounces. That afternoon we met in council, reporting 
to Kirker the finding of the ruins, the gold specimens, 
etc. He said that there was extreme danger of having 
two or three thousand warriors down on us if we staid 
there long enough for the whole Apache nation to be 
aroused. He therefore counseled the utmost haste in 
leaving the country, even if it abounded in gold speci- 
mens. We had a flock of sheep to hinder us in trav- 
eling, and a large drove of other animals to attend to. 
So we packed up at once for Chihuahua, thinking we 
could return at some future day, with a larger force, 
and dig gold. 

We left the country with regret, for it possessed 
marvelous beauty, fertile soil, and had every indica- 



SPIEBUCK AND SPENCER. 91 

tion of rich mines, unworked, probably, by civilized 
man, to this day. Besides the remains of furnaces, 
we saw old mine shafts, that had been worked, appar- 
ently long before, by Mexicans. Specimens of gold, 
silver, and copper ore that we took to the mint at Chi- 
huahua, were assayed and pronounced very rich. 

For the information of the public, let me state more 
particularly, that this lake is on the westerly side of 
the Sierra Madre (Mother Mountain), between the 
States of Sonora and Chihuahua. The valleys in the 
vicinity are broad, and the soil well adapted for culti- 
vation. Around the lake were growing large quantities 
of wild Indian tobacco. 

On arriving at the place where we left the property 
of Mr. Pores with a guard, we found it all safe as we 
had left it ; the animals, it will be recollected, had 
already been joined with ours. Considering our ex- 
traordinary luck, Kirker thought it best to examine 
the goods, and see if there was not a little good liquor 
left ; and as a consequence, most of our force got 
drunk, for they found nearly twenty gallons of choice 
whisky in bottles among the goods. 

The next morning, while on the march, a man named 
John Spencer, being ahead, saw a deer asleep on the 
side of a hill, with his head laid over on his side. He 
dismounted, and was slipping along to get a good shot 
at the deer without alarming him, when Spiebuck, who 
was just behind him, cocked his rifle, and about the 
time Spencer was going to shoot, burst out with a tre- 
mendous war whoop, and as the deer jumped up to 
run, shot him, while Spencer stood silent and amazed. 

"Go and get your deer," said Spiebuck, sternly, 
"and never take advantage of a poor animal, while 
he's asleep." 



92 ESCAPE OF ONE OF THE SQUAWS. 

Spencer secured his deer, and it made a capital sup- 
per that night, for some of us, but Spencer looked 
bluish, and didn't relish the reproof, as it reflected on 
his skill with the rifle. 

Late in the afternoon, just before we camped, I was 
made the victim of misplaced confidence, and in a way 
which did not tend to raise me in the estimation of 
Spiebuck. 

I was at the rear of the train, riding carelessly along 
in company with the young squaws, and some of the 
Mexicans we had rescued. On coming to a small 
stream of water, one of the squaws made known by 
signs that she wanted a drink. I dismounted, drank 
myself, and told one of the Mexican boys to carry her 
some water in his gourd, while I fixed my saddle, 
which had got loose, laying my gun down for that 
purpose. 

The whole train was ahead. The squaw seeing her 
chance for an escape, broke the gourd over the boy's 
head, drenching him with water, and wheeling her 
horse, she was off in a twinkling. Although we ex- 
pected to realize the same sum for the squaw prisoners 
as for the scalps, I could not think of shooting this 
young girl, for she was barely sixteen years of age, 
even if in addition to her own scalp, she did take 
away one of our horses. I went forward to Kirker, 
and reported that one of the squaws had escaped, and 
gave the particulars. 

Spiebuck was quite indignant, and said he would 
have shot her if he had been in the rear of the train, 
and there would have been a scalp and a horse saved. 
Before we started next morning, Spiebuck mounted 
all the squaws on the poorest animals we had, so they 
could not get a chance to run away. 



RECEPTION AT CHIHUAHUA. 93 

The next day we readied the Mexican settlement of 
San Andreas, where we laid over two days, on account 
of our pack mules having very sore backs. We then 
resumed the march, and in three days more arrived in 
Chihuahua, having traveled slowly, on account of the 
sheep and goats. Our arrival was anticipated ; for 
Mexican couriers had gone ahead and reported to the 
governor that we were coming, with many prisoners, 
scalps, and a large drove of captured animals. 

Five miles out of the city, we met the governor, 
with a band of music, his wife with him in a carriage, 
and hundreds of people, who had come out to greet 
us with a cordial welcome. 

The governor pronounced us a brave set of men, and 
inquired how many men we had lost. We reported 
that the half-breed Mexican, who went out as our 
guide, and two Shawnees were killed, and two or three 
slightly wounded. 

Spiebuck, who had charge of the scalps, which were 
packed on a mule, ordered the driver up to show them 
to the governor. 

"What d'ye think o' them fellers?" said Spiebuck, 
triumphantly, to the governor. 

The governor asked him how many there were. 
Spiebuck replied that there were one hundred and 
eighty-two ; besides a good many sunk in the lake 
before he could get them off. Also, eighteen good 
scalps on the heads of as many squaws we had 
brought along as prisoners. 

This declaration amused the governor very much, 
and he ordered the liveliest music while we were being 
escorted in. When we arrived at the plaza in front of 
the palace, three cheers were given by the great crowd 
around, for Captain Kirker and our party. The 



94 DELIVERY OF SCALPS. 

scalps were then counted and delivered to the gov- 
ernor, and a receipt taken. After this receipt was 
given, Spiebuck brought up the Indian girls, and said, 
"Here's eighteen more." The governor refused to re- 
cieve them as scalps, or to pay for them at any price, 
when Spiebuck said if all he wanted was to have their 
scalps taken off, it was but a small job ; and taking 
out his hunting knife, started for one of the girls, who 
ran screaming and terrified towards me for protection. 
The governor then called out to him to hold on, for he 
would pay for them as scalps. He took charge of 
them, and locked them up in a room by themselves. 

After this part of the business had been transacted, 
Kirker brought forward the rescued women and chil- 
dren, and delivered them, stating that we looked to the 
authorities to send them home. For our part, we 
made them a present of the sheep and goats, and 
looked to the citizens of Chihuahua to come forward 
liberally with gifts of clothing, etc., as they were very 
destitute. The governor cheerfully promised to assist 
them. 

We now went to the Bull Pen, and deposited our 
arms and accoutrements, discharged our cargo, sent 
our animals to a pasture, under protection of Mexicans 
provided by the governor, and went to a grand dinner 
which had been gotten up in our honor, and served in 
the palace. It was splendid, and enjoyed by all of us ; 
and after dinner we were invited, by the governor, to 
attend a ball, which he said he had prepared for us, to 
come off that evening. Spiebuck responded that he 
was no dancer, but he could drink his share of wine 
and whisky ; which we knew to be the truth. 

The ball commenced at eight o'clock, and we 
amused ourselves previous to that hour, by marching 



VISIT TO ME. PORES. 95 

around town, visiting our friends ; for everybody was 
anxious to entertain the Apache company. 

Kirker and I went to see Mr. Pores, the owner 1 of 
the train we had recaptured from the Apache robbers. 
He was overjoyed at our success, and we arranged to 
divide everything the next morning, except the 
whisky. That, we told him, would be impossible, for 
what the Apaches didn't drink up, our party had fin- 
ished. This he laughed at, and thought we deserved 
much praise for what we had done towards wiping out 
that miserable Apache nation ; and promised to assist 
us in any further military movements. We appreci- 
ated his offer, for he could do a great deal for us, as 
his property in Mexico was reported to be worth two 
millions of dollars. 

Leaving our friend Pores, we went around to Mr. 
Speyers's store. He was glad to welcome us back, and 
presented Mr. Kirker and myself with a new suit of 
clothes, in which to attend the ball. The hospitality 
of the saloon keepers in the city was so great, that our 
Shawnee friends were very much elated, and went 
whooping and yelling over the town, like wild men. 

At eight o'clock we went to the ball. Not more 
than ten of our company attended, as most of them 
were too much intoxicated to get there. Soon after 
three o' clock in the morning, we returned to our bar- 
racks in the Bull Pen, and slept till noon. Eising at 
the call of a messenger, we found an invitation for 
several of us to attend a complimentary dinner at 
Riddle & Stephens' s hotel. After dinner, we went to 
Mr. Pores' s, and with him and his son, proceeded to 
the division of the recovered property, dividing equal- 
ly all the mules that bore his brand. And we also 
turned over to him half the goods. After this was 



9b CONFEKENCE WITH THE GOVEENOE. 

done, he gave us a bill of sale of our share of the 
property ; thus showing himself to be a gentleman, as 
well as a man of business. 

A day or two after this division, we went to Mr. 
Potts' s mint with our metallic ores, which we requested 
him to assay. He found them very rich in gold, silver, 
and copper. We had some virgin copper, apparently 
pure metal, that assayed twenty-five per cent. gold. 

Next day we visited the governor, to talk over mat- 
ters relating to our agreement. He said he had not 
funds to pay us for over forty scalps, but would settle 
for the balance soon. Kirker, Spiebuck, and myself 
were present. Spiebuck said that was no way to do 
business. It was not the way the United States gov- 
ernment did their business, for they always performed 
their agreements. We received the pay for forty 
scalps ($2000) and asked the governor how long before 
he would pay the balance. He answered that all the 
tobacco in Mexico belonged to the government, and as 
fast as he could sell it he would pay us. We left the 
palace, and went up to the Bull Pen, and calling to- 
gether all hands, reported what had taken place. 

This Bull Pen, as we called it, was the amphitheater, 
where they had bull fights, and made a very conveni- 
ent head-quarters for our noisy, reckless party. 

The money received by us for the forty scalps, was 
then divided equally among the party. Spiebuck was 
very indignant at not receiving his money, and said he 
would not work any more for such a government. 
Kirker and I advised him to join with us in an expe- 
dition to the region we had just visited. It was the 
richest country in the world, Kirker thought, and if 
the government was too poor to pay us for scalps, we 
could make our fortunes digging gold. 



RECAPTURED ANIMALS CLAIMED. 97 

The matter had been under discussion three or four 
days, when one day the Mexican boys who had charge 
of our animals, came in and reported that there were 
Mexicans at the pasture claiming the horses and mules 
we had taken from the Apaches. Kirker went and 
had a conference with the governor, reminding him of 
the contract that we were to have all we could take 
from the Indians, besides fifty dollars a scalp. He 
found several parties of Mexicans talking to the gov- 
ernor, with their branding-irons in their hands, and 
saying it was their property, and they had a right to 
take it wherever they could find it. 

"Governor," said Kirker, "you knew, when you 
made this written agreement, that animals recaptured 
by us from the Indians, were liable to be claimed by 
various owners, but you promised it should be ours. 
Otherwise what pay do we get for risking our lives in 
recovering mules, &c. If your government is so weak 
and rotten that you can't sustain yourselves, and keep 
your promises, then let us know it." 

"It is their property," replied the governor, "and 
the law gives it to them ; therefore, they can take it, 
though I am sorry that any of the animals should be 
claimed, after your party have done so nobly." 

Kirker returned and reported what had taken place 
at the palace. Spiebuck immediately commenced 
arming his Indians, saying he would just as lief scalp 
the governor of Chihuahua as anybody else. We 
asked Spiebuck what it was best to do in the matter. 
He said he was going out to take charge of the ani- 
mals, and if any one claimed the property he would 
suffer for his interference. He went to the pasture, 
and found a Mexican riding around among the mules, 
looking at them. Riding up to him, Spiebuck struck 
7 



98 SPIEBUCK IN WAR-PAINT. 

him on the back of the head with the flat side of his 
tomahawk, knocking him off his horse. After the 
Mexican got up, he told him to leave ; if he ever 
caught him there again he would scalp him. The 
Mexican left in a hurry. 

Then Spiebuck went to the Mexicans who had been 
furnished with orders to take away their animals. He 
ordered them all to leave instantly, or his Shawnee 
warriors would show them no mercy. They left at 
once, and reported to the governor that Spiebuck and 
party were dangerous fellows ; had called them 
thieves, and ordered them to leave the place. 

Learning that the governor had taken sides against 
us in behalf of these pretended owners of the stock, 
our whole party became infuriated, as they saw six or 
eight hundred soldiers collecting, by order of the gov- 
ernor, at the barracks near the palace. Spiebuck put 
a strong guard over the animals, then went to the Bull 
Pen, put on his feather cap, painted his face, took a 
large drink of whisky, and started for the governor ; 
with Kirker and myself, besides a number of his 
Shawnees, following after him to prevent any collision, 
or open rupture. 

He rode straight to the governor's door, passing 
through a file of soldiers, who vainly tried to stop 
him. The sergeant of the guard said the governor 
was busily occupied, and could not be seen. Kirker 
and Spiebuck insisted on going in, and soon the door 
was open for them to enter. The governor promised that 
none of the animals should be taken away at present ; 
but said he understood that Spiebuck had knocked a 
man off his horse, and advised him to be less violent. 
Spiebuck was a little better satisfied, and we all re- 
turned to the Bull Pen, for a consultation. He sent 



DIVISION OF PROPERTY. 99 

down instructions to the guard over the mules, to 
shoot the first Mexican that came skulking around 
after the animals. 

"Mr. Kirker," said he, the morning after these oc- 
currences, "if you want to stay in such a country as 
this is, you can do so, but I am going to take my por- 
tion of the animals, and leave. To-morrow or next 
day the governor will come down on us with six or 
eight hundred troops, and then we can't do anything 
but submit to his infamous treachery." 

Kirker insisted on his staying, saying that even if 
we lost a portion of the animals, our organization 
should be kept up. It would be advantageous in the 
end, and a large additional force could be speedily got 
together to go with us and work the mines we had 
discovered ; but it was useless to argue the case with 
Spiebuck, for nothing but a separation would satisfy 
him. The whole force was therefore called together, 
and a fair division made of the property. 

I told Kirker I would take my share of the animals 
with Spiebuck, and the Shawnees took charge of their 
portion, as well as mine. Having concluded to go 
along with Spiebuck' s party, I was soon packed up, 
saddled, and ready for a start for New Mexico ; our 
party now numbering only about seventy men. 

The whole city was aware of our departure, but no 
attempt was made to detain us, or to get possession of 
our stock ; probably for prudential reasons, for they 
knew we would fight for them. We afterwards learn- 
ed that they took most of the ponies and mules that 
remained with the other party. 

As we rode out of the place, bidding good bye to 
Kirker and all our friends who remained, Spiebuck 
remarked to Kirker that he had but one regret on 



100 



OLD FRIENDS. 



leaving Chihuahua, and that was that he had not the 
governor's scalp to carry along with him. 

We traveled fast, and reached Santa Fe in eighteen 
days, where we stopped a week to recruit our animals. 
I sold to a party of traders there, all of my animals, 
except the two mules presented me by "Wolf" and 
the horse given me by my wife. These were prized by 
me as keepsakes, and I had taken the best care of 
them, and money could not buy them. The others 
brought me about $2500. 

In Santa Fe I had the great pleasure of meeting my 
friend John Batiste. I inquired after Kit Carson and 
Peg-leg Smith. He told me they were probably at 
Bent's Fort. This was in the year 1843, and as over 
three years had elapsed since I was at the fort, I felt 
quite anxious to see our old friends, the trappers, and 
as John was staying in Santa Fe for a few days only, 
on business for Bent, and would return soon to the 
fort, we agreed to make the trip together. 




CHAPTEE VI. 

AFTER spending a week very pleasantly at Santa 
Fe, — for we found many old friends there, — Spie- 
buck concluded to go to Bent's Fort, with John Batiste 
and me, taking along with him most of his Shawnees. 
Thinking it best for me to revisit my Indian home 
among the Comanches, as soon as I had stayed a while 
at the fort, I laid in a stock of presents for my wife 
and child, father-in-law, and others in the tribe. I 
then informed Spiebuck and Batiste that I was ready 
to start the next morning for the fort, and would 
advise that we go by way of Taos mountain, which 
was agreed to. 

On our way over the mountain, at a place called the 
Moro, the Mexicans stole in the night some eight or ten 
of Spiebuck' s animals. There were four of the thieves, 
and we tracked them, killing two, the other two escap- 
ing in the mountains, but the animals we recovered. 
After four days' travel, we arrived at Bent's Fort, 
where we were received with many demonstrations of 
joy. Bent and Savery purchased all the mules that 
Spiebuck and his friends could spare, at good prices, 
— about seventy -five dollars a head. The Shawnees 
were delighted to receive so much gold for their ani- 
mals, and, before they got away from the fort, some of 
it was spent for choice brandies, wines, whiskies, &c. 
They intended to make a short stop only at the fort, as- 
they were on their way to their old homes* on the- 
Shawnee reservation, near Westport, Mo. However, 



102 STAET FOR THE COMANCHES. 

they stayed here several days, feasting and carousing. 
Bent was fitting up a large train, to take over forty 
thousand dollars' worth of furs to Independence, Mo., 
thence to be shipped on steamboats to St. Louis. I 
was requested to take charge of the train. I told him 
of my plan to see my old Comanche friends, and visit 
my wife and child ; therefore I could not accommodate 
him. Finally, Mr. Savery decided to go himself with 
the train, and they engaged Spiebuck and his band to 
escort the train till it was out of danger. 

When the train was ready, it consisted of twenty -four 
ten-mule teams, loaded with furs and provisions. I 
went with them to the crossing of the Big Arkansas 
river, some four days' travel, and on my route to the 
Comanches. There I took out of a wagon the presents 
I had bought at Santa Fe for my family, and two 
bottles of whisky (which I knew "Old Wolf" was 
fond of), and, mounting Limber Bill, the horse my 
wife had given me, and leading my two mules or jacks 
(Brigham Young and Heber Kimball, as I had called 
them), I bade my companions farewell, and started 
across the country alone, for the only spot on this 
broad earth that I could call my home. 

The Shawnees had tried in vain to persuade me to go 
along to Missouri with them, and see my father and 
relatives ; but the painful recollections of my boyhood 
prevented. I did, however, send a letter to my father, 
by them, which they promised to deliver, in which I 
told him of my health and prospects, and sent my 
regards to my relatives and friends of my childhood. 
Spiebuck was the most urgent of all for me to continue 
with them. He even called me crazy, to start alone on 
such a visit, though he knew I was familiar with the 
country. 



DANGER FROM WOLVES. 103 

The first night out, I came near being eaten up by 
the gray wolves. They caused one of my mules to 
break loose, and I had a great deal of trouble getting 
hold of it in the morning. There were eight or ten 
wolves around me in plain sight, growling, snuffing, 
and whining, and I could not sleep, fearing they might 
cut my rawhide ropes with their teeth, and let all my 
animals loose. I scared them off, by throwing powder 
into the fire, and they did not return. The smell of 
powder is dreaded by all wild animals. My camp-fire 
was made of buffalo-chips and little wild cherry-tree 
bushes. I had to fasten my mules to this small brush, 
though I often carried iron stakes to drive into the 
ground when there was nothing strong enough growing 
in the way of trees or shrubbery. 

I rode hard next day, and in the afternoon was sadly 
disappointed, on arriving at the old Comanche camp, 
to find it moved. I unsaddled and staked out my 
animals, studying what to do. I made me a cup 
of coffee, and roasted a piece of buffalo-meat, and 
just at dark I crowded down a little supper; but, 
though I was faint and weary, my emotions and 
melancholy reflections deprived me of appetite. For- 
tunately, I picked up my rifle and started off for a 
little hill, where I could see down the Little Red river, 
and there appeared the smoke of various camp-fires, 
some three or four miles off. I returned, and, saddling 
up, mounted and rode for the fires, for I knew they 
were the fires of the Comanches. After traveling two 
miles, I came into a great drove of horses and mules, 
feeding, and rode a mile or two further, through 
animals thickly scattered over the plain, till I came 
to the first lodges of the Comanche camp. 

Here I gave a regular Comanche war-whoop, and the 



104 RECEPTION BY COMANCHES. 

Indians, jumping up, wanted to know who it was. I 
answered that it was their friend Hobbs. An Indian 
ran out, shook hands with me, and, when I asked 
where " Wolf's " lodge was, he said about the center 
of the camp, half a mile below, and he went with me 
to show the way. Another Indian tore off at full 
speed, to announce to "Wolf" and my wife that 
I had arrived. As we went along through the lodges, 
the crowd around me increased, and they made such a 
noise that the whole camp seemed aroused. They re- 
marked that I was a true friend to them now, or I 
never would have returned to them. 

When I reached " Wolf's " tent, he and Henry and 
my wife and child were outside, waiting to receive me. 
I was pulled off my mule, and nearly squeezed to 
death with joyful embraces. They then unpacked 
and unsaddled my animals, and took care of them. I 
commenced taking out my presents for my wife and 
child, and took out one of the bottles of whisky which 
I had brought for " Wolf 's " special benefit. He said 
he was n't afraid to drink that, as he was the first we 
had given him years before. Among the presents 
which I gave " Wolf" were a nice butcher-knife and 
a beautiful tomahawk which had a hollow handle, 
a pipe on the back and a mouth-piece to screw on the 
handle ; also, a quantity of tobacco, lots of red flannel, 
calicoes, beads, trinkets, &c. The beads and the flannel 
I told him to give his wife, my mother-in-law. 

Then I got out the presents for my wife and child, 
which were numerous and valuable, consisting of 
shawls and dress-patterns, ribbons, beads, mirrors, 
knives and forks, thread, &c, the whole filling one 
of the pack-saddles, and enough to last her for years. 
I knew she appreciated the liberal gifts, though she 



AT HOME. 105 

said but little. Occasionally, as she looked at me and 
then at the presents, her eyes would fill with tears, 
and, if she spoke, her voice would tremble and indicate 
her deepest gratitude. I could see that she had almost 
despaired of my ever returning to her, fearing that 
I had been killed in some of my expeditions. My 
return was a joyful surprise to them all. 

' ' Wolf ' ' called me to come and sit down by him. 
He commenced crying, and told me about the death of 
his son, my brother, as he called him. But he said he 
was satisfied that the sun, his god, had taken him up, 
and he would be back some day. He said he had 
another brave son in his place, who was fast learning 
to be a brave chief. He said Henry had told him that 
he had seen me down in Mexico, with a large lot 
of wagons and teams. Henry stood by, listening, and 
appeared desirous to hear me converse with the old 
chief; for he, as well as many other of the principal 
warriors, appeared to think as much of me as though I 
was in reality in command of their tribe. His little 
brother Jim came around to see me. He had even for- 
gotten the "yes" and "no" which was all the 
English he could speak when I left the Comanches. 
My little boy was about seven years old, and as wild 
as a deer, and it was a good while before I, assisted by 
his mother's talking to him, could get him to come 
to me. 

My wife told me she had a lodge of her own we 
could go to, though, since I had left, she had stayed 
all the time with her father and mother. We moved 
into our lodge about 12 o'clock that night, and I 
rested, for the first time in four years, after every 
manner of privation and hardship, in the bosom of my 
family, without any fear of wolves, robbers, or Indians. 



106 CHEYENNE CHIEF ON A STEAMBOAT. 

The next day, " Old Wolf" had a long tale to tell 
me abont his particular friend, the Cheyenne chief, 
being taken by Bent to Independence, Mo. , and to St. 
Louis and New Orleans, whence he had brought pres- 
ents of all kinds, some of which he had given to 
"Wolf." The accounts given " Old Wolf" by his 
friend, of the treatment he had received at the different 
places he had visited, gave him a very high opinion of 
the people of the United States, — much different from 
that they had of the Texans. Probably one great 
reason of the tribe's dislike to Texans was the fact 
that they had given them their first lesson in the power 
of revolvers. " Old Wolf" laughed heartily when 
he related the experience of the Cheyenne chief, when 
he first went on board a steamboat at Independence. 
He was leaning over the side of the boat, when the 
engineer blew off steam on that side, and the fright- 
ened Indian jumped into the river. He swam out, and 
dry clothes were put on him ; but it was some time be- 
fore they could get him on the boat again, for he 
declared it was the devil. " Old Wolf" told him he 
was foolish to get scared at a thing before he knew 
what it was; but he thought if " Wolf" had been 
with him on the boat, he would have jumped too. 

"Wolf" wanted to know if I had seen "Little- 
hearted John," as he called him. I told him where 
I had seen him, and he said he had also seen him once 
since he sold him. 

Bent's kindness to the Cheyenne chief was part 
of his policy, by which he shipped thirty or forty 
thousand dollars' worth of furs every fall to St. Louis 
or Independence. 

It pleased "Wolf" and my wife that I had taken 
care of the mules and horse they had given me. The 



PREPARE TO RETURN TO MEXICO. 107 

second day after my arrival, the old chief said his 
whisky was gone, and he would like to have another 
drink. I told my wife, who had taken it in charge, to 
hand him out the other bottle, informing him that 
it was all I had brought. 

I stayed in camp, hunting buffalo and amusing my- 
self with the Indians, for about a month, when, much 
to their surprise, I informed my wife and father-in-law 
that I was going to Mexico again. When I told them, 
as a reason for my going, that I had left money there, 
and was going to return for it, they could not under- 
stand why I need go on that account. " Old Wolf" 
asked what need I had for money; had n't he every 
thing we needed? I explained to him that, among 
the whites, purchases were made with money instead 
of skins and furs, and therefore it was very useful 
to me. 

I then told my wife that I had left orders at Bent' s 
Fort, so that, at any time her father went there to trade, 
he could get all the clothes and other articles for her 
and the child that she needed. 

" Wolf" said, if I must go, he would send out and 
prepare some nice buffalo-meat for me to take with me. 
This was soon done. They prepared some buffalo- 
tongues and fleeces or large flakes cut from the back 
and sides of the buffalo, well salted and cured over the 
fire, and also some dried venison-hams. "Wolf" 
then inquired which route I wanted to take, and I 
replied the straightest to New Mexico, which would be 
by way of Cimarron creek. After looking at my two 
mules, he said they were weak and poor, and advised 
me to take some better ones, for I could have all 
the animals I wanted. I picked out six fine riding 
and packing Texan mules and another fine saddle- 



108 PARTING WITH COMANCHES. 

horse, besides taking the bay Limber Bill, given me 
by my wife when I left them the first time. 

I bade them all good-bye, parting sadly and reluct- 
antly from the lovely and affectionate " Spotted 
Fawn," who hung upon my neck, and almost refused 
to let me go. This daughter of "Wolf" was far 
above the average of Indian women in looks and intel- 
ligence, and was nearly white. Her amiable ways, 
during the years of my pleasant sojourn among her 
people, had so endeared her to me, that I could not 
leave on this occasion without promising her that I 
would return again soon to stay permanently. How 
well I kept that promise, the reader will see hereafter. 
My little boy, Jimmy, though wild and afraid of me 
a few weeks before, now came up to say good-bye 
to me and give me a parting kiss. The old men and 
young warriors of the camp also gathered around 
to say farewell and wish me good-luck. Mounting my 
horse, and waving a final adieu, I started off, escorted 
by Henry Brown, the assistant chief, and twenty -four 
warriors, who were detailed to take me to where there 
would be no danger from any unfriendly Indians. 
"Wolf" directed the escort to see me safely into the 
Mexican settlements, and for that purpose they carried 
plenty of provisions. 

On the fifth day after leaving "Wolf's" camp, we 
struck the main Santa Fe road from Independence, 
about ten miles above the bone-yard where Mr. Spey- 
ers' s mules were frozen to death. Here we came upon 
a train of eight wagons, eight mules to each, with the 
necessary number of teamsters, &c, who had halted 
here to recruit their mules. As soon as they saw us, 
they prepared for a fight, part of the men starting for 
their animals. When I saw they considered us a hos- 



MEETING OLD FRIENDS. 109 

tile party, I halted my escort and rode forward to 
re-assure them. I told them they need have no fears, 
as the Indians were friendly and under my command. 
On inquiring for the leader of the party, I was intro- 
duced to Mr. Calvin McCoy, from Westport, Mo. 
I now signalled to Henry, who came up with the war- 
riors, and, by my direction, proceeded to stake out 
their animals to feed, and make a camp near our 
friends. 

In this train I found an old acquaintance named 
James Prewitt, who was moving his family, who occu- 
pied one of the wagons of the train, from Missouri to 
New Mexico. His wife was a Spanish woman, and 
they, with their children, had been several weeks on 
the road from Westport, Mo. Seeing her afraid of the 
Indians, I spoke to her in Spanish to have no fear 
of us. She was surprised, and inquired where I 
learned Spanish. I told her in Santa Fe and the 
lower part of Mexico, when she informed me that 
Santa Fe was her native place, and that she was a 
relative of Governor Armijo. 

I asked McCoy if he had met Bent' s fur-train going 
east, under escort of a party of Shawnees. He replied 
that they did meet them, at Walnut creek, and, to get 
feed, laid by with them one day. Said he, "I suppose 
you are the man Hobbs they told us had left them at the 
crossing of the Big Arkansas to go to the Comanches." 
I told him I was the man, when he informed me he was 
well acquainted with my father' s family, and that they 
considered me dead, until Mr. Prewitt told them he 
had met me in Santa Fe, and that I had been ransomed 
from the Indians. On inquiring about my father and 
other friends, I learned they were all doing well, and 
were much surprised and pleased to hear of my being 



110 EETUEN OF MY ESCORT. 

alive and well, after haying given me up as lost for so 
long a time. 

We had a hearty supper, and spent most of the 
night talking of old friends. I called in Henry, and 
told the strangers that this was an American boy, but 
he had become a principal man and chief among the 
Comanches. McCoy asked him if he would prefer to 
live with the Americans hereafter. He said no ; he 
would rather be with the Indians. 

The next morning, I told Henry that he and his 
Indians might go back, and they could tell "Wolf" 
that I had met friends to go into Santa Fe with, and I 
was perfectly safe. Then procuring a bottle of whisky 
of Mr. Prewitt, which I sent to my old friend " Wolf," 
I thanked Henry and his party for their great kindness 
in escorting me thus far on my journey, and bade 
them good-bye. 

Mr. McCoy agreed to haul my provisions and pack- 
saddles into Santa Fe, and give me a hundred dollars 
apiece for my mules on arrival there. With the aid 
of my strong mules, our train reached the first Mexi- 
can settlement in seven days. There I left Mr. McCoy, 
took my two horses, and went on through the Mexican 
settlements to Santa Fe. McCoy bought corn, recruited 
his animals, and got into Santa Fe fifteen days after 
my arrival there. He sold part of his goods, and paid 
me six hundred dollars for my six mules. I visited 
Governor Armijo, and introduced McCoy to him ; his 
acquaintance proving very useful in getting the goods 
through the custom-house. 

By my advice, McCoy left Santa Fe, as the market 
for such goods as he had was easily glutted, it being a 
small place of not over eight thousand inhabitants. I 
told him that Chihuahua was a city of over thirty 



ESCAPE OF APACHE SQUAWS. Ill 

thousand people, and he requested me to go there with 
him and show him the way. As he was short of 
means, and would have to feed all the way down, I 
drew money I had on deposit at Scully' s (a large mer- 
cantile house), and loaned it to him, to be repaid when 
we reached Chihuahua. We arrived there in twenty- 
four days from the time we left Santa Fe. There I 
met my friends, James Kirker, John Spencer, Gabe 
Allen, and others, who were on the expedition against 
the Apaches. They were all "dead broke." Kirker 
said if he had done as Spiebuck and I had advised, he 
would have made much more money. In answer to 
my inquiries, I found that he had succeeded in getting 
enough money from the governor, on account of the 
scalps, to barely live, and that, shortly after we left 
Chihuahua, the Mexicans took all the animals recov- 
ered from the Apaches, besides stealing all their own 
riding-mules. 

I told him how Spiebuck and his men sold all their 
mules to Bent and took their horses to Missouri, while 
I had sold my mules at Santa Fe ; and we had all got 
good prices, and got the cash, which was better than to 
have stayed in Chihuahua and lost them. 

He went on to tell us how the Apache girls we 
brought in as prisoners had all run off, after being dis- 
tributed as servants among the rich people by the 
governor. Dr. Duvas, who married a sister of the 
governor, was persuaded by him to take one of the 
squaws into his family as a nurse, and one day, when 
Mrs. Duvas went across the street, leaving her infant 
of a year old in the arms of this nurse, she took the 
child by the heels, smashed its brains out against the 
door -jamb, and then escaped, and was never caught. 

Kirker further said, that, since our raid, the Apaches 



112 AS A FREIGHTER. 

had been killing people all around Chihuahua, and 
had even ventured into the city, murdering citizens in 
the suburbs. The governor had called on him and the 
Americans there for help; but their reply was that 
there was an old contract unfulfilled, and they declined 
to furnish aid till that was settled. 

Being now out of business, and meeting an agent of 
an English manufacturing company, located in Zaca- 
tecas, who was looking for some one to take cotton 
from Chihuahua to their factory, I determined to try 
my luck as a freighter. For this purpose, I bought of 
Mr. McCoy four wagons and thirty -two mules, and 
hired a number of our old Apache hunting-party as 
teamsters and guard. As the country through which 
we were to travel was infested by various hostile tribes 
of Indians, I joined my force with those of three other 
freighters, named Henry Cappilard, Robert Carlisle, 
and Samuel Miller. Cappilard was a Frenchman, and 
the other two Missourians. Our party were all well- 
armed, and in due time we started our train for the 
south. 

The fifth day after leaving, we were surprised by 
about fifty Apaches. We were traveling through a 
thick brush, or thicket, when they jumped suddenly 
out upon us, and killed a teamster named Harvey 
Gleaves and six of our mules, and wounded Mr. 
Cappilard in the head, the bullet glancing upward 
from his forehead. By this time, we had all got ready 
for action, and poured into the savages a well-directed 
succession of shots, which caused them to flee, with 
the loss of several killed and wounded, which they 
carried off the field with them. 

Unharnessing our dead mules, and putting our dead 
teamster in ? wagon, we continued our march. On ar- 



WAR WITH THE UNITED STATES. 113 

riving at El y St. Bartolo, twenty miles further on, we 
laid over a day, and buried our friend Gleaves. Next 
day we bought six mules, and resumed our journey, 
meeting with no unusual adventures till we reached 
our destination. 

After unloading my freight, I went toward the south- 
ern part of Mexico, my destination being San Luis 
Potosi. There we loaded with blankets, sugar, and 
other groceries, — about one-half of which was freight 
and the other my own venture, — and returned to Chi- 
huahua, where I sold out every thing I had bought at 
a hundred per cent, profit. I continued in that busi- 
ness, making three or four trips, until the year 1846, at 
which time I had enough money to purchase ten 
wagons and teams, and was making trips with my own 
train, doing business on my own account and hiring all 
my help. 

In the midst of my success, when I fancied that I 
was on the road to a fortune, hostilities commenced be- 
tween the United States and Mexico. In February, 
1847, the Mexican authorities seized my wagons, teams, 
and all the property I possessed, impressing it for the 
use of their army. War had been declared in 1846, 
but only vague and unreliable rumors had reached us 
in that far-off region of Central Mexico. We had 
heard a good deal of talk about the disputed boundary 
between Mexico and Texas, and the $18,000,000 debt 
due from Mexico to the United States, which Mexico 
refused to pay, and it was manifest that war, at no 
distant day, was probable. I, with others, continued 
trading, however, bee use we were acting under a 
treaty of commerce between Mexico and the United 
States, which gave us the right to trade in that country 
freely; and we knew that our government, in any 
8 



114 GOODS IMPRESSED. 

event, possessed the power and the willingness to pro- 
tect our property. We could take care of our interests 
better by remaining, as any attempt to get out of the 
country would be destructive to our interests as traders, 
and I had considerable property to risk. Of course, 
our lives were in danger, but we took all such chances, 
relying on our wits and courage to carry us through. 
Many other American traders came to the same de- 
cision, and, by remaining too long in Mexico, lost all 
their property after the war commenced. 

The first official report that United States troops had 
crossed the Rio Grande gave us much alarm. I was 
at San Luis Potosi when I heard that Santa Anna was 
marching, with fourteen thousand troops, to meet 
General Taylor at Buena Vista, and was levying indis- 
criminately on the property of Americans and Mexi- 
cans. I was loading up my teams and settling up my 
business, which would require about ten days, and I 
made all haste to get out of his way. 

I had got on all my goods, passed the custom-house 
officers, and was hurrying out of the city, when I saw 
coming up behind me about fifty mounted Mexican 
lancers on a full gallop. I knew at once their busi- 
ness. When they came up, I was ordered to return by 
the officer in command of this advance-guard of Santa 
Anna' s army. He said his orders were to impress all 
the property and stores that he could find for the use 
of the Mexican army. I had to return with them! 
Now all my hopes of trading and becoming wealthy in 
that line of business were blasted. 

I demanded of the officer who took charge of my 
property something to show as a voucher for what he 
had taken from me. He said he had no authority to 
give me a receipt ; but I could see General Santa Anna, 



DECLINE TO JOIN THE MEXICAN AEMY. 115 

who would be along in a day or two, and he would 
doubtless give me one. 

The next day, Santa Anna, at the head of his army, 
marched into the city, on his way to Buena Vista, 
which was about two hundred and twenty -five miles 
from San Luis Potosi. It was two days before I could 
get an interview with Santa Anna. When I did gain 
an audience with him, he inquired my business, and I 
told him I desired some document to show that he had 
taken my property from me. He thought there was 
no necessity for it, as he was going down to give the 
Americans a thrashing, and wanted me to go along 
with him and haul some artillery. He offered to pay 
me and give me back my teams, if he was successful. 
I had less confidence in his whipping the Yankees 
than he had ; at all events, I did not feel willing to 
help him fight against the flag of my country, nor to 
stand up to be shot at by American infantry and artil- 
lerymen. So I refused to go, after politely telling him 
that I was a Missourian by birth and could not consci- 
entiously go against my nation. He said he thought I 
would be safer with him than anywhere else, for in a 
short time he should issue an order that any American 
found in the country, after twenty -five days, should be 
shot. I insisted on a receipt for the goods seized, and 
told him how many Mexicans I had rescued from 
Indian tribes, where they were held as captives, and 
stated the part I took in the expedition against the 
Apaches, and the shabby treatment I had received 
from the governor of Chihuahua. He finally promised 
to give me the receipt, saying he had heard of me 
before, and gave the urgent necessities of his poorly 
supplied army as the only excuse he had for holding 
my property. He directed me to make out a written 



116 DISGUISE AS A MEXICAN. 

statement of all my effects that had been seized, which 
I did, as follows: eighty mules, with ten wagons 
loaded with leather of various kinds, blankets, saddle- 
trees, sugar, coffee, rice, and other groceries, giving 
the items in detail. He said, before he could give a 
receipt, he must see the officer who made the seizure, 
and have the account verified, which was done at once. 
I asked the general if he would n't be good enough to 
leave me my goods, even if he took the mules and 
wagons; but he objected, on account of his troops 
being short of provisions. I took my receipt from the 
general, and bade him good-bye. 

I now had nothing left out of twenty thousand 
dollars' worth of property, except my horse and 
saddle and five hundred dollars in money, which I 
had saved to pay expenses on our way back to Chi- 
huahua. I called up my teamsters, after I got back to 
the hotel, and paid them what I owed them. These 
teamsters were all Mexicans, and I had been stripped 
of nearly all I had by the commander-in-chief of the 
Mexican army ; but, so long as I had enough to pay 
them the wages due, I felt bound to do so. I told them 
I was a ruined man, and could not take them back to 
Chihuahua, as agreed; but if they wished to return 
north, they could probably do so under the army 
wagon-masters, as drivers of the same wagons, which 
I believe they did. 

I had only one hundred dollars left, after paying the 
teamsters. I then went to a Mexican store, and bought 
me a large wide-brimmed straw-hat, with rolls of cotton 
covered with silver lace wound around it, and a regular 
Mexican " Greaser" costume, being buckskin over 
riding-pants, white drawers and buckskin leggings, 
a buckskin roundabout, and shoes with Mexican 



AMERICANS ORDERED TO LEAVE MEXICO. 117 

spurs. The over riding-pants are made to button 
up on the outside of the leg, instead of with a seam, 
so that in riding they can be opened to relieve the 
knees. 

This change of dress was all that saved me. I spoke 
Spanish fluently, as well as any of the natives and 
better than the common classes. I had been smoked 
yellow in the wigwams of the Comanches, tanned by 
my out-door life and exposure since, and I could not 
now be told, with my new rig on, from a native Mexi- 
can. I saddled my horse, and started for Zacatecas. 
This was one hundred and fifty miles distant. On my 
arrival, I met some of my friends, — Mr. Kirkford, Dr. 
Jenkins, and Humphrey Gentry ; the latter an Ameri- 
can and the first two Englishmen. They informed me 
that Colonel Doniphan's regiment was expected to 
arrive soon at Santa Fe. I informed them of my bad 
luck at San Luis Potosi, at which they expressed much 
sympathy, and offered me the loan of any money 
I needed. 

The next day, the order of Santa Anna was issued 
in Zacatecas, that every American who was not out of 
the country within twenty -five days should be shot. 
Then I went to Mr. Gentry, and asked him what he 
thought of doing. He replied that he would be pro- 
tected with the English in the mint at Zacatecas. I 
then called on Dr. Jenkins for fifty dollars, which was 
handed over to me at once. He inquired what I 
thought of doing, and I told him I was going to the 
city of Durango. He said he could give me some 
useful letters to some English friends of his working 
there at the iron-works. I accepted one letter, and 
immediately started for Durango, arriving there in a 
week. Proceeding directly to the iron- works, I pre- 



118 FRIENDS IN TROUBLE. 

sented my letter to the principal man, Solomon Houck, 
from Booneville, Mo. He said lie was sorry to hear of 
my bad luck, and that I could stay there as long as I 
wished, and he would give me a good berth to oversee 
a party of Mexicans, who were working in the minerals 
for him. He also informed me that some of our friends 
had been put in prison the day before by the Mexicans. 
I asked who they were, and he stated that they were 
two brothers, James and Samuel McGuffin, from Ken- 
tucky, and Samuel Wetherhead, a friend of Mr. Houck, 
from Booneville, Mo., and a Scotch tailor named Joseph 
White. These men I had known for some time, and 
felt a strong desire to help them, when I heard of their 
misfortune, and so informed Mr. Houck. They were 
all wealthy men. The twenty -five days were about 
elapsing, and the Mexicans were in haste to get hold 
of their property. They fined these four men twenty- 
five thousand dollars, and gave them twenty -five days 
more to leave the country. They dared not start with 
any means, for that would insure their robbery and 
murder on the road. 

About this time, news came that Colonel Doniphan's 
famous regiment, with over eight hundred men, besides 
a park of artillery, was on the march from Santa Fe to 
Chihuahua, and also that our old friend Bent, of Bent's 
Fort, was acting-governor of New Mexico, with a force 
of four hundred men. Governor Armijo had not 
stopped for an interview with Doniphan, but had 
cleared out of Santa Fe in haste. 

Mr. Houck had a Mexican servant-girl, in whom he 
placed all confidence, who used to carry the provisions 
to prison for these four men, by consent of the jailor. 
The provisions were examined every time she passed 
the jailor. Mr. Houck wrote a note to the men, and 



STAET FOR COLONEL DONIPHAN. 119 

inclosed it in a loaf of bread, also a small inkstand, 
pen, sheet of paper, &c. The letter informed them 
that Colonel Doniphan had taken Santa Fe and was 
marching into Mexico, and there were hopes for them. 
They found the writing materials, and replied that 
Doniphan was a personal friend of the brothers 
McGhiffin, and they thought, if they could get word 
to him of the danger they were in, he would make a 
strong effort to save them, as they believed the Mexi- 
cans intended to secure their property and then kill 
them. They wished him, if possible, to procure a 
messenger to take a letter from them to Colonel Doni- 
phan, and send them paper to write it on. 

Houck succeeded in getting more paper to them, and 
a note, in which he informed them that I was stopping 
with him, and had volunteered to take a letter from 
them to Colonel Doniphan, notwithstanding I well 
knew the risk I ran, and that, from what he knew 
of me, he believed I could get safely through with it. 
This encouraged them ; they wrote the letter and sent 
it past the guard, by the Mexican girl, to us. I took 
the letter, rolled it in thin linen cloth into a cylindrical 
shape, then sewed around it a piece of oil-cloth, loaded 
a double-barreled shot-gun with buckshot, and down 
upon one of these charges rammed the letter, which 
was made to fit closely like a cartridge. If examined 
too closely, I meant, as if by accident, to shoot the 
letter away. 

I saddled my horse and started on my journey, 
which proved to be one of three hundred and eighty 
miles or more, to the place where I met Doniphan's 
regiment. I traveled day and night, sometimes off 
and sometimes on the road, being well acquainted 
with the country and the direction. Twice on the 



120 MEETING WITH MEXICANS. 

road I was examined by the Mexican authorities, for 
they kept a close watch on all strangers, whether 
Mexicans or foreigners. But they did not find my 
letter. The weather was fine, warm, and clear, with 
starlight nights, which was quite an advantage. 

When I had traveled some two hundred and forty 
miles, I began to get into towns and settlements where 
I was well known, from my former travels up and 
down. Then I left the road, going through woods and 
mountains, till I arrived within fifty or sixty miles of 
Chihuahua, traveling one day and night during this 
time without eating any thing. Here I came in sight 
of a place called St. Pablo. In this town lived a. 
friend of mine, named James Hill, an American, from 
Clay county, Mo. This was about 3 o'clock in the 
afternoon. I rode into a thick belt of timber, near 
which was good grass for my horse, took off my 
saddle, spread down my blanket, hobbled my horse, 
laid down, and, being very sleepy as well as hungry, 
fell asleep, while studying how I should get some- 
thing to eat without being seen. I slept until dark, 
and then got up and saddled my horse. 

My friend Hill lived near the edge of the town, where 
he had a grist-mill. I made my way to his house, 
riding very slowly, and keeping a good look-out. On 
my way, I met several Mexicans, but excited no sus- 
picion, for they took me for a Mexican. I had no fear 
of them, as my horse had considerable speed, and I 
had a double-barreled gun and six-shooter. Guided 
by the dim lights in the scattered houses in the 
suburbs, I arrived about 8 o'clock at Hill's house, dis- 
mounted, and went in cautiously. Mrs. Hill did not 
recognize me in my "Greaser" dress until I made 
myself known. I inquired for her husband. She 



CONCEALED BY FKIENDS. 121 

told me that she did not know where her husband 
was. He and another American, a friend of his, from 
Clay county, Mo., named Milton Favor, had gone into 
the mountains, fearing the Mexicans, who were very 
hostile, would take their lives. The wives of both Hill 
and Favor were Mexicans. Mrs. Hill told me I must 
be very careful, and I had better put my horse in the 
stable before he was seen, as a great many Mexicans 
were prowling about and were looking for Hill, and 
that I had better hide in a private room. I stabled the 
horse, fed him hay and grain, and then went into a 
private room as directed by her, where she brought me 
food, as I told her I was perishing with hunger. 

I remained secreted till midnight, and then proceeded 
on my way, being furnished by her with cold meat and 
bread for my next meal. Notwithstanding her friendly 
hospitality, I told her no secrets, for my life depended 
on my extreme caution. Silently I saddled and rode 
away by the light of the moon, feeling much relieved 
and encouraged to think my mission would be success- 
ful. All the remaining hours till morning, my way 
was through the roughest kind of country, and I found 
my horse fast failing, his feet having become sore, so 
that it was with difficulty I could urge him out of a 
walk. I found I was approaching the position of 
a large Mexican force, which was stationed at the foot 
of the mountains to bar the progress of Colonel Doni- 
phan' s regiment toward Chihuahua. I had gone 
around to the right of Chilmahua, and was going 
up the point of the mountain between Chihuahua and 
Sacramento, a sort of " cow ranche," fourteen miles 
from Chihuahua, and near the place where we had 
previously " cached," or secreted, some goods we 
took from the Apaches. The Mexicans were intrenched 



122 A ONE-SIDED HORSE-TRADE. 

at Sacramento, and I could hear their drums and the 
occasional firing of a gun. By the time I had got 
half-way up the mountain, traveling through the 
scrubby brush away from the road, the blood was 
running from my horse' s feet, and it was evident that I 
could get him along but a little further. I watched 
the failing attempts of my faithful Limber Bill, and re- 
solved to abandon him; for, indeed, I had been 
walking and leading him an hour. Fortunately I saw 
in the path before me a Mexican, coming toward me, 
riding a horse and leading a fine one in his rear. I 
hailed him, and inquired how he would trade horses, 
telling him I would give him boot-money. He said he 
would not trade, and inquired where I was going. I 
told him I was going over to help Governor Trios whip 
the Americans out of the country. He asked me 
where I was from, and I answered from Lower Mexico. 

I now demanded that he should trade horses with 
me anyhow, and, cocking my gun, told him to get 
down and change with me. He looked at me, and 
asked if I was in earnest, when I replied that if he 
did n't do it mighty quick I would convince him. He 
alighted, and I took hold of the hair-rope by which he 
led his animal, while he took off my saddle and bridle 
and put them on his horse. When arranged to my 
satisfaction, I led his beast a few steps up the mountain 
and sprang into the saddle. The Mexican gazed at me 
with astonishment, and I asked him, as I looked back, 

" Aint you going to fight for your country F' 

"No," he replied. 

I started off at a gallop, feeling that it was lucky 
indeed that the Mexican had come along, for I saw I 
had exchanged for a good horse. The Mexican felt 
that I had cheated him, for he shouted after me to 



SKETCH OF THE MEXICAN FORCE. 123 

return and pay the difference ; but I had only time to 
refer him to a warmer climate for satisfaction. 

Traveling about four miles further, I came to the 
brow of the mountain, where I had a good view of the 
valley below, and discovered, just at the foot of the 
mountain, the Mexican army. I got off my horse, 
fastened him back in a secluded place, and went for- 
ward where I could see the whole encampment of the 
Mexicans and judge of their strength. The idea sud- 
denly seized me to sketch their position as well as I 
could for the use of Colonel Doniphan. Having some 
loose paper and a pencil in my wallet, I made a hasty 
drawing of the whole force. They were drilling, and 
I judged their number to be about five thousand, be- 
sides eighteen pieces of artillery; but not over five 
hundred were regulars, as I could see by their uni- 
forms. The rest were raw country volunteers. I could 
see the red flags on the lances some of them had. They 
proved to be poorly armed, and, though some had 
lances, many of them expected to fight by throwing 
the lasso, the only mode of warfare with which they 
were acquainted. 

After finishing my rough map, which I knew Colonel 
Doniphan would appreciate, I remounted and picked 
my way along the mountain, with a view of going 
around the Mexican camp, so as to avoid being seen 
by them. After three or four miles' further travel, de- 
scending the mountain and turning a point among the 
hills, suddenly and unexpectedly the cheerful sight of 
the star-spangled banner burst on my vision. It created 
in me the strongest enthusiasm. The reaction in my 
feelings was such that I could hardly control myself. 
The weary days and nights of anxiety and fear were 
now over ; and there, on the plain before me, stood my 



124 THE OLD FLAG. 

countrymen, my friends, their bright guns glittering 
in the sunlight, and their proud banner, — the glorious 
old Stars and Stripes, — waving in the breeze. It was 
the same old flag I had often gazed at in admiration as 
it unfolded in the wind over the walls of Fort Bent, 
when I was returning there to greet my old trapping 
friends after a long absence. And farther back, even, 
in my early childhood, I had seen it borne aloft by 
some military company, and my young breast heaved 
with patriotic emotion when older persons explained to 
me that it was the emblem of my country' s freedom, 
and a guarantee of protection to its citizens. Ye who 
have been. brought up in the lap of luxury, in the 
midst of the refinements of society, who know nothing 
of the weary tramps, the dangerous expeditions, the 
thrilling adventures among savages, the privations, ex- 
posures, and hardships which it had been my fortune 
to endure, — ye can know nothing of my joy, nor can 
be expected to appreciate my feelings, when, after 
losing all my property by the Mexicans, I had now 
accomplished an important mission, which might result 
in the defeat of our enemies and the liberation of my 
friends. 




CHAPTEE TIL 

PUTTING spurs to my horse, I dashed down to- 
wards Doniphan's regiment, for I saw it was 
preparing to move forward, and I was anxious to put 
my sketch of the Mexican position in his hands before 
he should become engaged. The mountain was so steep 
in some places that my horse slid, on his haunches. 
Getting through the brush and emerging on the open 
plain, I approached at a full gallop, Doniphan's ad- 
vance guard of fifteen mounted men. They quickly 
surrounded me, and one of them, named George Skill- 
man, with whom I was acquainted, having met him as 
one of Speyers' s teamsters, when I rescued them from 
the blockade at the Bone Yard, rode up to me with 
his gun cocked, asking me in Spanish who I was, 
where I came from, &c. I answered in Spanish, that 
I was from Durango, and bursting into a laugh, shout- 
ed out in English : 

' ' For heaven' s sake, Skillman, don't you know me V ' 
He lowered his gun, came up closer, and recog- 
nizing me, said he took me at first for a " Greaser" 
spy. I inquired for Colonel Doniphan, and they said 
he was back at the head of his regiment. I informed 
Skillman that I had a letter for the colonel, from some 
of his friends who were in Durango, in prison, and I 
had come to see what I could do for them. He asked 
if I had come anywhere near the enemy, and I replied 
that I had seen them all. "But," said I, "I have no 
time to talk ; I must go and see the colonel." 



126 meet doniphan's regiment. 

I galloped on, to the head of the regiment, where I 
met Doniphan, and very quickly explained my busi- 
ness. Pulling out my ramrod, and putting the screw- 
to it, I drew forth my letter, ripped off the cover, un- 
folded it, and handed it to the colonel. He asked me 
where I was from, and I told him from Durango. 

By this time, a large number of men had collected 
around us, all eager to know who I was. Samuel 
Owens rode up, and I spoke to him, calling him by 
name. He looked at me for some time before recog- 
nizing me, in my fancy dress. Said he : 

"For Christ's sake, Hobbs, is that you?" 

I had known Owens when a boy, in Missouri, and 
had met him several times, in my wanderings, he being 
the one who fitted me out when I went to the relief of 
Speyers' s train ; and I had done business after that 
with him, in Mexico. He was always known as 
Colonel Sam Owens, having received that title years 
before, in Missouri. He was not directly connected 
with the regiment, but was a merchant, having a store 
at Santa Fe, and had several wagon loads of goods 
with the regiment. In the battle, he had command of 
a company formed of the teamsters, and others, who 
were not enlisted men. 

By this time, Colonel Doniphan had read McGrufnn's 
letter. He said he was sorry for our friends, but all 
depended on the battle which was just coming off. If 
we gained it, we gained them ; if we lost it, we lost 
them ; which was all he could say in their behalf. 

Then Colonel Owens, addressing me, said : " Hobbs, 
come this way with me." 

I went with the colonel to the left of the regiment. 
Then he called my brother John, and said to him : 

"Here's your brother James, that you considered 



PKESENT MY PLAN TO THE COLONEL. 127 

lost so long." As I had no idea that my brother was 
with the regiment, and he knew nothing definite of 
me, this meeting, after a separation of twelve years, 
was a joyful surprise to us both. Without waiting 
long for congratulations, we went together to Colonel 
Owens' s carriage by the colonel' s invitation, when his 
negro servant, Andy, made himself useful by produ- 
cing the colonel's private demijohn of brandy and 
some drinking cups. We dismounted. I could see 
that Colonel Owens was greatly excited, and appeared 
to be in deep trouble. As we raised the cups to our 
lips, I noticed that Colonel Owens' s was filled to the 
brim. Drinking it off, he said :' " This may be our last 
drink together, and probably is enough to cany me to 
perdition." I remarked to him that we should keep 
cool, as we were close to the enemy. 

I excused myself to Owens, telling him I had further 
business with Colonel Doniphan, and I rode back to 
him, and producing my drawing, told him I had a 
rough sketch of the enemy's position, made an hour 
before, when I was on the mountain, where I had a 
full view of them, and their intrenchments. The 
colonel, after examining it carefully, seemed much 
pleased, and said he: "I see you have here the form 
of their intrenchments, and the position of their artil- 
lery. If I can rely upon this as being correct, we have 
an easy task before us." 

"Colonel," said I, "to show you that I know what 
I am about, if you will look with your field-glass at 
yonder hillside, as we get a little further on, you will 
see a twenty -four pounder, or a large gun, mounted just 
above the brush at the edge of the plain, and manned 
by about a dozen men, so posted as to pour a raking 
fire into you, when you storm their intrenchments." 



128 VOLUNTEER FOE DUTY. 

" Very well," said he ; "I have need of the services 
of such men as you." 

Just then we heard some shots exchanged between 
our advanced guard and the Mexicans. Our force 
was then ordered to march ; and they did march as 
though they were going to a Fourth of July cele- 
bration. 

Colonel Owens rode up and asked Doniphan the 
time of day, and added: "All I want is to get in 
among the Greasers." "Keep very cool," said Doni- 
phan, noticing that Owens was excited with liquor. 

Here two of the advance guard came back and re- 
ported that, they had killed one Mexican, and that we 
were close upon the enemy, for they were just over 
the knoll, half a mile distant. 

Colonel Doniphan immediately ordered our troops 
into line, and rode out in front with me, when I showed 
him the position of the twenty-four pounder gun. He 
noticed at once that the hillside was too steep to enable 
them to turn the gun to fire upward, and asked me if 
I couldn't take some of my old mountaineer friends, 
for he had learned that several in the regiment knew 
me, and go around above and come down on the gun 
and capture it. I answered that I was at his service, 
and would do the best I could. Although not an en- 
listed man, I felt like doing something for my country 
against the good-for-nothing, rotten government of 
Mexico. At this reply of mine, many of the troops 
became boisterous in their applause, and were anxious 
to go with me. He immediately instructed an officer 
to detail twenty -five men, most of whom I had been in 
hard places with before, and I started with them, leav- 
ing our horses, because they could not ascend the hill. 

When we had got in the rear of the gun, we saw 



CAPTURE OF A MEXICAN GUN. 129 

that our troops were marching directly up in front of 
the enemy, and the Mexicans commenced firing. Two 
or three cannon balls went whizzing over the heads of 
our troops ; at the same time a large force of Mexican 
lancers were making a circuit, to get in the rear of Don- 
iphan' s men. Lieutenant Chauteau, who was one of 
the hunting party I left home with twelve years before, 
and Doctor Waldo, ran out two pieces of flying artil- 
lery, and discharging a few shells among the Lancers, 
they turned and fled back. By this time we had 
crawled down through the brush close to the piece of 
artillery, the attention of the gunners being in front. 
We ran for the gun, shooting one of the gunners ; 
another one undertook to spike it with a rat-tail file, 
and he was shot. Colonel Doniphan seeing we had the 
gun, ordered his men to charge the redoubts. 

Having driven the Mexicans from their gun, we 
trained it so as to get it in range of the enemy, and 
finally got in a shot, when it kicked itself off its 
mountings, being terribly overloaded, with all manner 
of deadly missiles. As we abandoned the gun, and 
ran to the assistance of our comrades, I saw Owens 
dash in front of his men up to the redoubt, killing 
three or four with his six-shooter, receiving himself a 
ball in his thigh, while another killed his horse, and 
she fell with him. At the same time, a Mexican 
sprang, out and run him through with a lance. Cap- 
tain Jackson coming up, shot the Mexican as he was 
getting back into the redoubt, Owens was urged to be 
calm, and not expose himself foolishly, but family 
trouble made him desperate, and he threw his life 
away. 

Our men had now got possession of the intrench- 
ments, killing a great number in their charge, produ- 
9 



130 SPOILS OF WAE. 

cing a regular stampede of the Mexicans. The Mexi- 
can colors were captured, and our flag put in its place 
with three cheers ; one old sailor shouting, ' ' Stand by, 
boys, she's all oak, and iron bound." 

Lieutenant Sproule was out on the plain, with his 
cavalry, pursuing the Mexicans, and cutting them to 
pieces ; while our flying artillery, which was under 
the command of Major Clark, made great havoc 
among those in retreat. 

The Mexicans had a wagon loaded with $75,000, in 
specie, which they undertook to save, running their 
mules at full speed, pricking them with lances to urge 
them faster, when Lieutenant Chauteau, of the artil- 
lery, thinking something valuable aboard, sent several 
shells after the wagon, one of which knocked the for- 
ward wheels and axle loose, and the wagon fell down, 
the driver also being killed by the explosion, and the 
specie fell into our hands. 

The Mexicans saved but little. Four hundred head 
of cattle, any quantity of sheep, and fifty cart loads 
of hard bread and dried meat were captured, besides 
eighteen pieces of artillery, with many small arms, 
and what ammunition they had, which was but little. 
There were four hundred of them killed and wounded, 
while our loss was very small. 

We took several hundred prisoners, among whom 
were six officers. Encamping on the ground that 
night, it was dreadful to hear the cries of the Mexican 
wounded. Our dead and wounded were cared for 
first. Colonel Owens' s body was laid in his carriage, 
and afterwards taken to Chihuahua. After our 
wounded were seen to by the surgeons, the Mexican 
prisoners brought in their wounded for attention, 
many of them needing amputations. 



MARCH OX CHIHUAHUA. 131 

Colonel Doniphan issued an order that night, that 
as some men friendly to our canse were imprisoned in 
Durango, and suffering all manner of cruelty, he 
should shoot the six Mexican officers and as many 
more prisoners as he thought necessary, if his friends 
were not released immediately, and delivered, with all 
their property, to him at Chihuahua. The prisoners 
selected one of their number to start at once with the 
order to Durango, and the messenger was soon on his 
flying trip. 

Next morning, we loaded the wounded into wagons 
and on animals, as well as we could, and started on 
the march for Chihuahua. The specie was loaded into 
another wagon, and properly guarded, as it was con- 
sidered a capital prize. 

When about four miles from the city, we met a man 
named Jose Cordaro, a great friend of the Americans. 
He inquired for the commander, and was referred to 
Colonel Doniphan. He informed the colonel that the 
men, generally, had escaped from the city, fearing the 
Yankees. A few Americans were left, at the Mint, and 
some old people, and a few friendly Mexicans ; but the 
city, with its population, mainly composed of women 
and children, was entirely at his mercy. 

Colonel Doniphan halted his troops, and ordered 
that any man guilty of burning, sacking, or destroy- 
ing private property, or disturbing any family, or 
stealing the effects of the Mexicans of that place, 
would suffer death. We then marched into the city 
in good order. 

The troops were disposed of at several stations, and 
the prisoners placed in my old quarters, the Bull Pen, 
or amphitheater, with a strong guard over them. 

Colonel Doniphan was notified that many convicts 



132 

• 

were starving to death, in the under -ground cells of 
the city prison, for the authorities had run off with the 
keys, and the poor wretches could not be got out. He 
ordered our quartermaster, Lieutenant Lee (a nephew 
of General Lee), to send a wagon load of provisions, 
which was done forthwith, the colonel going himself. 
It was impossible to get the doors open, until powder 
was picked into the lock and exploded. Even then, a 
sledge-hammer was required to finish the work. 

The prisoners were ordered to march out. Some 
had been underground so long that they resembled 
corpses. After they were all formed in front of the 
prison, Colonel Doniphan told me and Gabe Allen to 
tell those Mexicans, in Spanish, that he didn't know 
what they were in there for, but he didn't suppose it 
was for any good, at all events, he was going to give 
them their freedom ; but before doing so, would read 
his laws to them, and they must be very particular in 
their obedience. His instructions were short : 

Any person stealing the value of five dollars, or 
under, would receive four hundred lashes. 

Thefts over that amount would be punished by 
hanging. 

Any crime worse than stealing, as aforesaid, would 
certainly be punished with death. 

He said he was ignorant of their former laws, but 
those were his laws, and they might rely on their being 
enforced. 

"-All right," shouted the Mexicans. "Hurrah for 
our new Governor !" 

The colonel told me and Mr. Allen to say to them 
that there was a wagon load of provisions which would 
be divided among them, after which they must go im- 
mediately to the scene of the late battle, put all the 



NEWS FKOM DURANGO. 133 

dead in ditches, cover them up, and return and report 
to him. They got their provisions, and started off, 
under guard, and the colonel returned to his quarters. 

During the day, Colonel Owens was buried, with 
military honors, in the Catholic cemetery. The second 
day, in the afternoon, the burial party returned, and 
formed in front of Colonel Doniphan's residence, some 
being dressed in the clothes of the dead soldiers, and 
wearing soldier caps. They had picked up consider- 
erable specie, that was scattered about in the road. 

They reported that they had buried all the dead, in 
good shape, and wanted to know what to do next. 
They told Allen and me to say to Colonel Doniphan 
that if they could be supplied with arms, they would 
fight for us. The colonel told me to say that he should 
have thought better of them if they had not made any 
such proposition to fight against their own nation, as 
he despised all traitors ; but he would give them em- 
ployment, temporarily, at cleaning the streets, bring- 
ing in wood and water for the army, and other various 
kinds of work, and their wages should be fifty cents 
per day, but they must be sure not to steal anything. 

A few days after this, a Mexican returned from Du- 
rango, bringing a letter from James McGuflin, stating 
that they had been liberated before the messenger arri- 
ved there, news having come that the Mexicans had 
been defeated at Sacramento. Everything belonging 
to them had been returned to them, and they would 
soon arrive at Chihuahua. The same Mexican brought 
a letter from the authorities at Durango, to the officers 
that we had taken prisoners. Next day, those officers 
called on me to interpret for them, and asked me if I 
would see Colonel Doniphan and request him to lib- 
erate them. I did so, but the colonel objected. He 



134 ENFORCEMENT OF DONIPHAN'S LAWS. 

gave me orders, however, to go to the Bull Pen and 
turn out the Mexican soldiers, and read to them, in 
Spanish, the same law I had read to the convicts, and 
bring their officers down before him. 

He told the officers they could stay in a room adjoin- 
ing his, considering them men of honor. They could 
go out, and come in, but must lodge there till the four 
men from Durango arrived. 

In about two weeks after Colonel Doniphan's entry 
into Chihuahua, two of the thieves he had let out of 
prison, stole some blankets from one of his soldiers. 
When the articles were found with them, they were 
taken at once to two ash trees near each other in the 
public square. The law was administered, four hun- 
dred lashes being laid on to each. One of the crimi- 
nals died at the foot of the tree, and the other the 
second day after. 

Six days after this, the artillery horses were in a 
clover field on the opposite side of the river Chihuahua. 
Mne Mexicans stole nine of the horses, and started for 
the mountains. Doniphan had with him eight Shaw- 
nee trackers, — among them, my old friend, Shawnee 
Jake. They were called on, and immediately struck 
the track. The second day they overtook the Mexi- 
cans, in a valley in the mountains. Eight were asleep, 
while the ninth watched the horses. He started to run 
and was shot dead by one of the Shawnees ; the others 
were taken prisoners, put on the horses, their feet tied 
under the horses' bellies, by the Shawnees, who re- 
turned with them and reported the killing, the arrest, 
and the recovery of the horses. 

Colonel Doniphan told me to ask them if they did 
not understand his laws. They said yes, and if he 
would pardon them, they would observe them. He 



MY FEIEXD OF THE HOESE TEADE. 135 

told them they would not violate any more laws, be- 
cause they had only one hour to live. A two-horse 
wagon was immediately brought out, and horses put 
before it. The prisoners were placed in the wagon, 
each with his hands tied behind him and a rope 
about his neck. The doomed Mexicans now asked 
leave to confess their sins to their priest. The colonel 
told them he had no priests in the city ; they had all 
run away, and there was no time for such a ceremony, 
under the circumstances. 

The wagon was then drawn to what was called the 
Alameda, a kind of park. A long, heavy stick of 
timber was securely placed in the crotch of two trees, 
overhead, the wagon driven under the timber, and 
while the culprits stood up, the ropes were firmly fas- 
tened to the timber, about two feet apart. The team- 
ster cracked his whip, and they were left hanging in 
the air. There was no more stealing heard of in Chi- 
huahua, while Colonel Doniphan remained there. 

Finding that Colonel Doniphan would not allow 
their property to be injured, people commenced re- 
turning to the city, and brought wood, hay, grain, 
fresh meat, and everything desirable for the army. 

I was at the Quartermaster's department, one day, 
when I saw the Mexican I had swapped horses with so 
unceremoniously on the mountain, driving up with a 
load of hay. As soon as he got his hay unloaded, I 
spoke to him. 

"My friend," said I, "do you know me?" 

After looking at me carefully for some time, he re- 
plied : 

"No, I do not." 

As I had left off my "Greaser" dress, and got on a 
citizen suit, this was not to be wondered at. 



136 ARRIVAL OF FRIENDS FROM DURANGO. 

"Do yon recollect trading horses with a man, ont 
here on the side of the mountain ?" I asked. 

"Yes," he replied, "I recollect the trade, but yon 
do not look like the man." 

I satisfied him, by repeating the conversation, that 
it was me he traded with, and inquired of him how my 
old favorite Limber Bill was, and found that he still 
owned him, and that he had fully recovered. As I 
had become much attached to the horse, and prized 
him very highly as a gift from my wife, I proposed to 
trade again, offering him his horse and ten dollars 
if he would bring mine with him next time he came 
into town. This he did, a few days after, and was as 
much pleased as I was at the turn the trade had taken. 
I saw him several times, afterwards,' and laughed and 
joked with him about our horse trade. 

The ensuing week, my friends arrived from Duran- 
go. They were happy to see me and the other Amer- 
icans. So grateful were they for my services in carry- 
ing their letter, that they made up a purse of five 
hundred dollars for me, begging me to accept it, offer- 
ing to increase it to a thousand, if I was willing. I 
declined any further contribution, though I accepted a 
present of a splendid pair of Colt's revolvers, from 
Mr. James McGuffin. 



OHAPTEE VIII. 

A RUMOR reaching us from central Mexico, that a 
large body of troops were coming against Colonel 
Doniphan, to drive him and his force out of the 
country, the colonel called on Gabe Allen and me, 
knowing us to be acquainted with the language and 
ways of the Mexicans, to go as spies, and find out the 
truth of the report. We consented, and went about 
two hundred and fifty miles below Chihuahua, travel- 
ing chiefly by night, and away from the roads. We 
learned some facts of importance, from friendly 
sources, and as we were about to return, we met an 
American traveling on the road with a train of wagons, 
who appeared to be posted up on war matters, who 
said that no troops had been organized, as yet, to 
operate against Colonel Doniphan, but that the country 
around there, especially the States of Durango and 
Zacatecas, had been drained of all the able-bodied 
Mexicans, to recruit General Santa Anna's army, 
which was being badly whipped and demoralized by 
General Taylor's army. We returned cautiously and 
safely to Chihuahua, and reported accordingly, to 
Colonel Doniphan. 

Soon after, the colonel decided to send an express to 
General Taylor, and detailed twelve of his best men, 
under the lead of Sergeant James Collins, for that pur- 
pose. They started across the country, with a friendly 
Mexican guide, traveling nights, with orders to reach 
General Taylor' s head-quarters as soon as possible. 



138 DISPATCHES FOR GOVERNOR BENT. 

The day after their departure, Colonel Doniphan 
told me he had important dispatches which he wished 
taken to Governor Bent, at Santa Fe, and asked if I 
would undertake the task of getting through with them. 
I consented, on condition that he furnished me a 
picked saddle mule, and two of his Shawnees, who 
should be similarly mounted, and a pack mule loaded 
with provisions ; for I did not dare to go near any 
Mexican settlement on the way up. These arrange- 
ments suited, and all was in readiness by dark that 
evening. We started off well armed and in good spirits, 
and had no trouble on the journey, as we avoided 
public roads, and traveled nights only. We made the 
best time on record between the two cities, reaching 
Santa Fe in nine days. 

Governor Bent gave us a cordial reception, remem- 
bering me well, from our long acquaintance, years 
before, at Bent's Fort, and elsewhere. He said that 
the dispatches were very important, and required an 
answer, which we must take back to Doniphan ; and 
I told him I was ready to return after laying over a 
day or two, for rest and to recruit our animals. He 
further stated that Price's regiment was on its way to 
Santa Fe, from Missouri, and would be there in about 
a week. 

During my interviews with him, I noticed that he 
was unusually gay and cheerful, telling me many 
funny stories about his recent experience in his new 
character of governor over that semi- civilized commu- 
nity. After giving me dispatches to take back to Col- 
onel Doniphan, he told me he had received an invita- 
tion to attend a Mexican feast, at a little town some 
twenty -five miles east of Santa Fe, at the foot of the 
mountains ; and as it was the birth-place of his wife, 



139 

who was a Mexican woman, he had about concluded 
to attend, as it would make him more popular among 
the Mexicans. I had doubts about the expediency of 
his going, knowing the treachery of the natives, but 
left him, simply cautioning him to be on the lookout 
for danger. I had no particular fear for his personal 
safety, but that the garrison would be surprised du- 
ring his absence. 

I soon returned to Chihuahua, accomplishing the 
distance in eleven days, carrying the dispatches to 
Colonel Doniphan, and making my report. The col- 
onel complimented me for my speed and trustworthi- 
ness, remarking that we had made extraordinary time. 
The usual time of mule trains over the road was eight- 
een or twenty days. 

The eighth day after my return, a courier from 
Santa Fe came into Colonel Doniphan' s head-quarters, 
with the news that Governor Bent had been assassin- 
ated at the Mexican feast before referred to, by the 
treacherous Greasers. About the time of the assassin- 
ation, Price reached Santa Fe with his regiment. He 
was so enraged that he at once executed nearly four 
hundred Mexicans, by way of retaliation for the mur- 
der of Governor Bent, and reported the facts to Col- 
onel Doniphan, who sent back orders that he (Price) 
should assume the Governorship now vacant. 

About the time of Bent's assassination, Colonel 
Doniphan sent for me, and wished me to take dis- 
patches to Fremont, which had reached him, to be 
forwarded, from the lower part of Mexico. Fremont 
was at this time on his exploring tour in California, in 
which he had difficulty with Governor Castro. 

I left camp alone, for this trip of four hundred miles, 
mounted on my Comanche horse, Limber Bill, and 



140 DISPATCHES TO FREMONT. 

leading a pack mule, carrying my provisions and a 
very few cooking utensils. As I had been through 
this part of the country before, and knew the habits of 
the Indians who ranged over it, I managed to avoid 
them till I had nearly reached my destination. To do 
this, required the greatest caution. Towards night, I 
would build a fire and cook what meat I needed for 
my supper and to last me till the next night, make a 
cup of coffee, and eat my supper, while my animals 
were feeding ; then I would mount my horse and ride 
several miles before stopping for the night, for fear the 
smoke of my fire might have been seen, and would 
bring hostile Indians upon me. I sometimes made a 
little fire, enough to boil coffee, in the morning, taking 
great care to make but little smoke. 

Although I saw a great many signs of Indians, some 
of them very fresh, I had no trouble until the ninth 
day out ; when, as I was leading up my pack mule, 
preparing to resume my journey, I was fired on by a 
party of four Navajo Indians, one shot striking my 
mule in the neck, killing him instantly. I saw that 
my only chance was in a running fight, and so put my 
horse to a gallop, abandoning my provisions, blankets, 
and cooking utensils. The Indians followed some 
three or four miles, exchanging shots with me fre- 
quently. Fortunately, I received no injury, but suc- 
ceeded in hitting two of my pursuers, one of whom I 
saw fall from his horse. Finally they left me and re- 
turned; probably to look after their prize, — the mule 
and his pack. Two days after this fight, I came up 
with Fremont, having eaten nothing in the meantime, 
but two rabbits I had shot and roasted. 

On my presenting the dispatches to Fremont, he re- 
marked that I must have had a dangerous and lonely 



THE REGIMENT OEDEEED TO JOIN TAYLOR. 141 

trip to reach him, and asked me if I thought I could 
make my way back in safety. I replied that I thought 
I could, by taking a different route. During my stay 
in camp, he showed me every attention, and did all he 
could to make my stay pleasant. 

Here I met my old friend, Kit Carson, who was act- 
ing as guide to Fremont. As I had not seen him for 
about four years, as may be imagined, we had a great 
many adventures to relate to each other. 

The fourth day after my arrival, Fremont gave me 
the reply to the dispatches ; fitted me out with another 
mule, and provisions, blankets, &c, and I started on 
my return Chihuahua, where I arrived without any 
particular adventure, after an absence of about four 
weeks, thoroughly jaded and worn out. 

In a very short time after my return from Fremont, 
Sergeant James Collins and his squad returned from 
General Taylor's camp, bringing orders for Colonel 
Doniphan to march forthwith to Saltillo. 

As soon as he could regulate his affairs in Chihua- 
hua, and get into marching order (which only delayed 
three days), the little army was on the move to join 
General Taylor. 

I was appointed interpreter for the Quartermaster's 
department, doing general service with Lieutenant Lee, 
the quartermaster ; and it was my duty to provide, 
somewhat, for the regiment, going in advance with a 
strong guard, for foraging purposes, &c. My friend, 
Gabe Allen, had an easier berth ; his duty being to act 
as interpreter for Colonel Doniphan, and assist him in 
his business dealings with the Mexicans on the route. 

Colonel Doniphan, before we left the city, requested 
me to hire four Mexicans to assist in taking care of the 
artillery mules. I engaged four of the most honest- 



142 PUNISHMENT OF MEXICAN THIEVES. 

looking chaps I could find, but they turned out rascals. 
We had been on the march only three days, when 
these Mexicans stole eight of the best mules we had, 
and started back for Chihuahua. I was ordered to 
take six Shawnees, and go in pursuit. After a fifteen 
mile chase, we lost the track ; but the leading Shawnee 
going back a short distance, found where they had 
turned off the road into a thick forest, and we pursued 
them about three miles further, when we overtook the 
rogues. Two of them we shot ; and the other two 
begged for their lives, which request we granted just 
long enough to get our rawhide ropes ready to hang 
them to the trees. One of them resisted when he saw 
our preparations, whereupon a Shawnee pulled out his 
knife, and stabbed him, killing him instantly. The 
other met his fate very meekly, and we left him hang- 
ing to the tree. After securing the stolen mules, we 
hastened back to the army as rapidly as possible. We 
met them at a pass in the chain of mountains, where 
they had halted for dinner. I reported to Colonel 
Doniphan that we had got all the mules back, and he 
inquired what had become of the runaway Mexicans. 
I replied that that we left three on the ground where 
they wouldn't steal any more mules ; the fourth we 
had elevated on a tree to keep guard over his com- 
rades. The report was entirely satisfactory to him. 

While I was lunching with the colonel, he remarked 
that one of his best men, Captain Reid, who had been 
wounded in the thigh by a copper ball, at the battle of 
Sacramento, was rapidly failing in health, and he 
feared he would die. The poison of the copper had 
been checked, at the hospital in Chihuahua, though 
the ball could not be found, and moving him in the 
ambulance was causing inflammation which the sur- 



SCOUTING AND FOKAGING. 143 

geons pronounced dangerous ; but we dared not leave 
him on our march, neither would he be left with the 
Mexicans, fearing hard usage. He also said that his 
advance guard had reported that they had seen tracks 
of horsemen, and he feared guerrilla bands might give 
us some trouble. He requested that as soon as my 
dinner was finished I would select some of the best 
Shawnee trackers, and go ahead, examine the signs 
closely, and report. 

With eight Shawnee Indians I started on, — the reg- 
iment following slowly, — and we discovered tracks of 
a number of mounted men, probably guerrillas ; but 
our Shawnees, who were expert on the trail, said they 
were three or four days old, and there was no danger 
at present. 

Traveling on till sunset, we came to a large Mexican 
stock ranche. As soon as the Mexicans saw us coining, 
they started to run. I called to them in Spanish, to 
come back, as there was no danger. Stopping them, I 
rode up and asked for the owner of the ranche. They 
pointed to a large hacienda, or country seat, a mile 
ahead, where they said lived the owner, a rich Castilian 
Mexican. Going up to this mansion, with my Shaw- 
nees, I found the gentleman badly frightened. I told 
him I wanted five beef cattle killed, and should need a 
hundred bushels of corn for our army in the rear, 
offering to pay for such supplies as we needed. He 
said : "With a great deal of pleasure ; anything you 
want, you can have/' 

He asked if I was a Mexican. I answered that I 
was an American, but from my long experience among 
Mexicans, I spoke Spanish as well as English ; or if I 
was among Indians, I could speak five of their lan- 
guages. I was soon in an easy conversation with him, 



144 REGIMENT PROVIDED EOR. 

when he learned, in answer to an inquiry, that Colonel 
Doniphan was in command of the regiment which was 
just then coming in sight. He said he had heard of 
his defeating live times his own number at Sacramento, 
and expressed great admiration of his military ability. 
He then requested me to assure Colonel Doniphan of 
his personal regards, and say that the beef and corn 
should be furnished at once ; and to invite him and his 
stalf to spend the night at his house. I thanked him, 
and gladly rode back with the message, reporting to 
Colonel Doniphan that I had provided everything ne- 
cessary for the troops, and had an invitation from the 
Mexican for himself and staff to stay at his house, and 
partake of his hospitality. Also reported that all was 
quiet in the neighborhood, the old Mexican having 
assured me that all the able-bodied men about there 
had gone to join Santa Anna's army. 

The colonel and I, with several officers, rode forward 
to the mansion, the proprietor coming forward to greet 
us with a hearty welcome. He had the beeves killed 
immediately, and the corn put out in the yard, where 
it was handy to use as wanted. The colonel asked if 
he could furnish a room for a sick officer, and he said : 
" Certainly; with pleasure, Colonel." 

Captain Reid was carried into a room, and placed on 
a comfortable bed. He appeared to be sinking rapidly. 

The regiment encamped near the house, the meat 
was distributed to them, and the corn issued ; in fact, 
everything furnished that was necessary. The gentle- 
manly Castilian tapped a keg of first-class wine, and 
invited the colonel and all the officers to take supper 
with him. The invitation was accepted ; and all the 
officers who were not on duty, were called in about 
ten o' clock. The supper was splendid, and the wine 



SETTLING THE BILL. 145 

flowed freely. Colonel Doniphan sat at the head of 
the table, with his officers around it, and the Castilian 
and his lady insisted on the privilege of waiting on 
them. 

We had a fine drum corps with ns, and while we 
were eating, they played several of our national airs, 
which was the first time the host and his lady had 
ever heard such pieces as "The Star Spangled Ban- 
ner," " Yankee Doodle," "Red, White, and Blue," 
and the like. He was so pleased, that after we were 
through, the band was invited in and treated to a 
plenty of wine. 

After supper, comfortable beds were provided for 
the officers, and Captain Reid was the recipient of 
every attention, Doctor Waldo and three soldiers stay- 
ing in his room all night. 

We all had a comfortable night's rest. We had ar- 
ranged to start the regiment the next morning at eight 
o'clock. Just before starting, Colonel Doniphan sent 
me to our host, to ask for the amount of our bill, and 
directed the quartermaster to pay whatever was agreed 
upon. Upon asking the Castilian his price, he was 
surprised, and said : "Nothing at all." 

Colonel Doniphan, on hearing this, rode up, and 
said: "Sir, this is not the way I do my business; I 
always pay my way." 

"Well," replied the Castilian, "that's more than 
the Mexican troops have ever done. They have been 
here often, but they took what they wanted, and never 
said anything about pay." 

It was soon arranged that we should pay only a low 
price, viz. : seven dollars a head for the beeves, and 
fifty cents a bushel for the corn ; which prices he was 
well pleased with. On parting, he thanked Colonel 

10 



146 DEATH OF CAPTAIN EEID. 

Doniphan for the pleasure of his company, and re- 
marked that he should prefer the American govern- 
ment, to the miserable rule of the Mexican, but he 
was placed in a delicate position, with his extensive 
property, that compelled him to keep still. Captain 
Reid was then placed in an ambulance, and the troops 
resumed the march. 

We had twenty -four miles to travel that day, with- 
out water. Captain Jackson, with a mounted guard, 
was ordered to go in advance, with me and the Shaw- 
nees, to provide for the regiment, and if any roving 
bands of Mexicans were seen, to report to the colonel. 
We reached Mapimi, a lead-mining village about three 
o'clock. The Mexicans were much alarmed when 
they saw us approaching. I let them know that there 
was no danger, and inquired for the judge of the vil- 
lage. I found him at last, the biggest, blackest, ugliest 
Mexican I ever looked at. I told him I wanted five 
beeves, and a hundred bushels of corn. He said he 
had no such property, but I told him his friends had, 
and he must furnish them, as they would be paid for. 
He sent out among the villagers immediately, and or- 
dered the beeves and corn to be furnished. 

We went to a cottonwood grove near by, where 
there was a stream of water, and selected a good 
camping ground for the regiment, and then going back 
to Colonel Doniphan, I reported that everything neces- 
sary was provided. This was good news to him, as 
some of the troops were nearly exhausted, and Cap- 
tain Reid was failing rapidly. 

We arrived at the camping ground at half past four 
o'clock, and Captain Reid died at sunset. The weath- 
er was hot, and mortification had caused his death. 

We laid over here the next day, for rest, and to bury 



ALAMO DE PARKAS. 147 

the captain with military honors, for he was univers- 
ally respected as a splendid officer and a brave man. 
The Mexicans who witnessed the burial scene were 
favorably impressed, as they saw the soldiers of the 
burial squad, after each had put a handful of dirt in 
the grave, fire a salute over it. 

Next morning, after settling our bill for the supplies 
that were furnished us by the citizens, we resumed our 
march, arriving towards evening on the bank of a river, 
where we encamped. The next day we crossed the 
river, and proceeded to the cottonwoods of Parras, or 
Alamo de Parras, where were some salt works. Here 
we were informed that we had for our next day's 
march, a long distance without water. I started before 
daybreak, with Captain Jackson, Gabe Allen, and a 
squad of eighteen mounted troops, who had been 
detailed to accompny us, to a place where the Mexi- 
cans had a famous well, with a huge trough, eighty 
yards long, and holding water enough for an entire 
train. 

The water was raised by a Mexican reel, or a 
wheel with leathern buckets attached to it, and worked 
by a mule. Here we were to make preparations for 
the regiment to camp that night. On arriving at this 
place, we found one principal residence and a number 
of shanties. Surrounding the large house was a wall, 
ten feet high, pierced with port holes, for defense 
against the Indians. The wall was built of adobes 
(sun-dried brick, about eighteen inches long, six inches 
wide, and three or four inches thick), and was about 
a hundred yards square. 

We went within the walls, and gave orders for beef 
and corn to be brought, and water to be drawn, which 
the owner said would be accomplished as soon as 



148 INDIAN CEUELTY. 

possible. We arrived there about eleven o'clock in 
the morning, expecting the regiment at evening. 

While I was receiving corn, which was being poured 
out on rawhides, inside the walls, Gabe Allen and all 
the soldiers (except one who stood guard over the arms 
and equipments of the escort) laid down for a short 
sleep, as the sun was uncommonly hot, and our men 
were tired, as we had traveled nearly thirty miles that 
morning. 

I was busily engaged, measuring the corn, when a 
little Mexican boy, the son of the woman who lived 
within the walls, came running in, crying : 

" Oh, mother ! the Indians are here I" 

"What Indians?" I asked. 

The mother and son were frightened ; but I went to 
the gate, and looking out, saw about eighty of the 
" Hickories" tribe of Indians, with some four hundred 
horses and mules, at the watering place. One of the 
savages was whipping the man who had charge of the 
mule at the reel, to make him work faster, as they 
were thirsty, and had traveled a long distance without 
water. 

It was a very hot day, and to secure shelter, a stray 
ox had gone into a deserted grass shanty, near the 
watering place. For sport, the Indians had shut the 
door, and set the shanty on fire, and the poor beast 
was being roasted alive, making a terrific noise. I ran 
and shook Gabe Allen, and told him the watering 
place outside was surrounded by a host of Indians 
and animals. He partially waked, and asked, "Mex- 
ican guerrillas?" 

"No," said I, "Indians!" 

Captain Jackson, who was busy seeing to the din- 
ner, which was preparing for us, immediately called 



FIGHT WITH INDIANS. 149 

up his troops, and running to a port-hole, looked out, 
and saw what the Indians were about. 

"Hobbs," said he, turning towards me, " you and 
Gabe Allen are older Indian fighters than I am. How 
had we better fight them, on horseback or afoot ? " 

We said on horseback so we could capture their 
stock. 

Fortunately our horses were inside the walls, and we 
were soon in the saddle. By this time, four Mexican 
stock-herders and men- of-all- work, who had gone after 
beeves for Doniphan's regiment, came galloping into 
the inclosure, badly frightened, one of them with an 
arrow sticking in his back. It had penetrated two or 
three inches, and was extracted without much injury. 
The Indians had driven them in, and taken from them 
the stock they were driving up for us. We asked these 
Mexicans if they would take part in the fight, to get 
their stock back, and help us capture the horses and 
mules of the Indians, telling them we would do the 
heavy part of the fighting. They agreed to our propo- 
sition, and the Mexican owner of the ranche saddling 
his mule, we mustered a force of twenty- six men. We 
ran our horses out of the gate, yelling and firing on the 
Indians, who, having no idea of our presence, were 
taken by surprise. Some were at the trough, crowded 
among their animals, in their eagerness to get water, 
with their guns, bows and arrows resting against a fence. 
Many did not have time to get hold of their arms. We 
killed six at the trough, and the rest fled to the top of 
a rising piece of ground near by. They had killed one 
Mexican at the trough, and had captured two or three 
Mexican boys and girls. These children had sense 
enough to run inside the walls as soon as the firing 
commenced. The boys, however, with the aid of the 



150 DEATH OF MY FAVORITE HORSE. 

Mexicans and several of our mounted soldiers, drove 
nearly all the stock of the Indians inside the walls and 
shut the gate. The Indian chiefs hardly ever dismount 
at short stoppages ; consequently their chief was able 
to get ahead of his scattered warriors, most of whom 
were now on foot and unarmed. He rallied them on 
the hill and formed them in position for defense ; but, 
knowing their helpless condition, we charged directly 
through them, killing a dozen or more. Captain 
Jackson received an arrow in his upper lip, which 
penetrated between two teeth. An arrow also stuck 
in the collar-bone of one of our guard, Michael Mc- 
Laughlin. He jerked it out, exclaiming : 

"Be Jasus ! quit sticking your broom straws into 
me." 

Gabe Allen' s horse was badly wounded. The Indians 
cried out, " Americans ! " and running into a hollow 
about three hundred yards distant, hid among the 
brush, and prepared to defend themselves. The chief 
was on a hill a little way from his men shouting his 
orders to them. Gabe Allen and I ran in between him 
and his warriors and cut him off. He tried to escape 
on his horse, but I gave chase and he, turning in his 
saddle, discharged several arrows at me. When I got 
near enough I shot him in the thigh. He turned his 
horse to rush past me and connect with his men, when 
Allen shot him through the breast. He fell from his 
horse, and, turning on his back as I came riding up, 
discharged an arrow which struck my favorite horse, 
Limber Bill, and I felt him sinking under me. He was 
wounded fatally, the arrow penetrating the stomach, 
and I sorrowfully abandoned him. I sprang for the 
Indian' s horse, which was an excellent one, while Allen 
finished the fallen chieftain with a shot through the 



RESCUE OF CAPTIVES. 151 

head from his revolver. Our men by this time gathered 
around us, and one of the Mexicans dragged up an 
Indian whom he had lassoed ; and, mounted on my new 
horse, I led the party back to the watering-place, the 
Mexican dragging the Indian through thorny brush 
over rough ground full three hundred yards to the door 
of the wall. There he stopped, thinking, of course, the 
Indian was dead ; but the latter jumped up, and would 
have got loose, if he had not been struck down by one 
of the Mexicans. A few paces back was found the 
Indian' s sheath-knife, which he had probably pulled 
out to cut the lasso which was dragging him ; but the 
rough, jolting motion, peculiar to that mode of travel- 
ing, knocked it out of his hand. 

We found, after scattering the Indians, that we had 
killed eighteen, besides the one we lassoed and killed, 
and at the ranche we found two prisoners that we had 
saved from their clutches. One was the wife of a 
Mexican lawyer ; the other the son of a Castilian, living 
four miles south of Parras, — a very wealthy man 
named Manuel Evarro, who had loaned General Wool 
one hundred thousand dollars to aid in the prosecution 
of the war against his adopted country. The unfor- 
tunate lady, who was firmly tied to her horse, was 
overjoyed at her rescue. The Indians had tried to run 
her off, when they retreated, and, failing in this, had 
attempted to shoot her, one arrow having pierced her 
clothing. She stated that she and her husband, while 
traveling in a carriage the day before, had been attacked 
by these Indians, and her husband and two servants 
accompanying them were killed and she taken captive. 
She was suffering terribly from the inhuman treatment 
she had received. She was young, good looking, the 
daughter of a rich Saitillo merchant, and had been. 



J«*)2 A^ INDIAN TROPHY. 

married only a month. She was kindly cared for by 
the lady of the ranche and next day taken to Parras. 

The Mexicans gathered the bodies of the slain In- 
dians, from the different parts of the field, and laid 
them in a row, by the wall of the ranche. The chief we 
had killed wore a beautiful cap, made of hawk' s feathers, 
turkey tails, red bird' s feathers, and some purple feathers 
from a crane belonging to that country. Two horns from 
a buffalo-calf pointed up from the sides of the cap. His 
bow and arrows were well made, the latter being in a 
quiver made of a panther' s skin, with a long tail hanging. 
The cap, bow and arrows, hunting- shirt, and moccasins 
belonging to the chief, I secured, and presented them 
on his arrival to Colonel Doniphan, who forwarded 
them to Washington, where they are still preserved. 
This Indian chief s horse, which I appropriated to my 
own use, was pure white, with a tail that reached to 
the ground, and a long mane ; and, in substituting him 
for my faithful Limber Bill, I had the consolation of 
knowing that he was a showy animal. We learned 
from the Castilian boy that he was out that morning 
with a servant driving a lot of horses and mules to 
water, when they were surprised, the Mexican killed, 
and he captured with all the stock. They had brought 
him twenty -five miles. 

While we were conversing with the boy, about twenty- 
five or thirty Mexicans came galloping towards us, and 
the boy exclaimed, "There is my father," as he ran 
to meet him. When the father saw him he sprang 
from his horse, gathered him in his arms, and shed 
tears of joy. The father had been educated in New 
York, and spoke English fluently. We told him we 
had captured nearly all the animals brought there by . 
the Indians ; and, from what his son had said, he must 



COMPLIMENTS OF COL. DONIPHAN. 153 

be the rightful owner of many of them, and told him 
where to find them within the inclosure. He said the 
animals were of very small consequence to him, in 
comparison with his child. However, we insisted, and 
he selected his own, and sent them home by his men, ex- 
pressing his gratitude to us for our services. He and his 
son remained to see the regiment when it should arrive. 

The Mexicans then went to butchering stock, to be in 
readiness for the regiment when it should arrive. To- 
ward evening the troops came in sight, and were all 
pleased to find the water drawn, the beeves killed, and 
the corn ready for the animals. Colonel Doniphan and 
his officers, when they approached the ranche, and saw 
the corpses of the Indians laid along by the wall, were 
astonished beyond measure, and wanted to know the 
whole story, which was soon told ; and the colonel 
declared that such success in Indian fighting was 
remarkable, and complimented us on our bravery. 
Every man in the regiment filed past the Indians, gazing 
at the dead savages with pleased countenances. The 
colonel, usually very serious, had to laugh when 
Michael McLaughlin observed, " Sarved um right, 
colonel ; see what one of the miserable bastes did to 
me, 1 ' pointing to the wound made by the arrow in his 
shoulder. 

Soon after the regiment arrived, we introduced Don 
Manuel Evarro and his son to the colonel and officers. 
The wealthy Mexican begged the privilege of arranging 
the dead bodies in a heap and burning them, which was 
granted. That evening Colonel Doniphan had a long 
conversation with Don Manuel Evarro, who told him 
he was well acquainted with Generals Wool and Taylor, 
who had stayed at his house sometime when they 
marched through his section by way of Monclova. 



154 ENTERTAINED BY MR. EVARRO. 

Next morning Mr. Evarro requested Colonel Doniphan 
to march his troops to his place, on the road to Saltillo, 
where the army would be provided with every thing 
comfortable. This arrangement suited the colonel, and 
the troops were put in motion. The Mexican lady we 
had rescued was put into Major Clark's carriage and 
conveyed to Mr. Evarro' s place, where his wife could 
make her comfortable. On the march Mr. Evarro and 
son, with myself, went ahead with an advance-guard, 
arriving at Mr. Evarro' s place about 2 o'clock. We 
hurried forward, on account of his anxiety to relieve 
his wife of her great trouble on her son' s account. Her 
joy at seeing her husband and son returning safe was 
very affecting. Mrs. Evarro was an American lady, 
whom her husband had married in New York. Imme- 
diately a splendid dinner was prepared for the officers, 
with all manner of fruits and wines. Mr. Evarro, upon 
arriving, ordered beeves and hogs to be killed, wood 
prepared for cooking, and every thing necessary to be 
got ready for the troops, who arrived about 4 o' clock. 

Upon the colonel's arrival, he found a handsomely 
furnished room fitted up for his occupancy, and rooms 
prepared for all the officers who could occupy them. 
We were entertained with a late but sumptuous dinner, 
after which we passed a very pleasant evening. 

The mansion and its surroundings were very fine : 
there was a large vineyard, which furnished a stock of 
wines and brandies ; a fine orchard of orange-trees and 
bananas, and many other tropical fruits ; also a thou- 
sand acres in cultivation, besides an extensive stock- 
ranche. There was a village adjoining the place, of some 
five hundred people, most of whom were tenants and 
in the employ of Mr. Evarro. Our host insisted on 
Colonel Doniphan' s laying over the next day, as the 



A FESTIVE REGIMENT. 155 

animals and men were nearly worn out on the march, 
owing to the heat and scarcity of water in that country. 
The colonel gladly consented. About 10 o'clock, after 
the officers had all partaken of a hearty breakfast and 
been furnished with the choicest wines and cigars, the 
whole party were in fine spirits, and Mr. Evarro asked 
the privilege of treating the whole regiment, and the 
request was granted by Colonel Doniphan with great 
pleasure. In front of the mansion was a grove of ash- 
trees. Out in the shade of these were rolled four 
barrels of liquors, being old wines and grape brandies. 
Mr. Evarro informed Colonel Doniphan that there was 
no danger of any surprise from the Mexicans, as all 
who lived about there were quiet, or inclined to favor 
the American cause. So the whole regiment went in 
for a good time. The barrels were placed on their ends, 
the heads knocked in, and a supply of glasses and 
cups set out for the regiment, when they were marched 
up by companies and drank freely. I had got wine 
enough in the house, but drank a swallow, out of com- 
pliment to our host ; then climbing into the forks of 
one of the shade trees, I was amusing myself by getting 
a bird' s-eye view of the festive scene beneath me, as file 
after file and company after company marched to the 
barrels, drank their fill, smacked their lips, drank 
again, and then went off to lie down in the shade of 
the beautiful grove, thus making room for their com- 
rades. 

The Mexicans had driven some of Mr. Evarro' s cattle 
into a corral near by, in order to take from it such 
beeves as they needed to kill for the regiment, Among 
them was a very wild vicious cow, which, for safety, 
had the ends of her horns sawed off. As they com- 
menced butchering near the corral, lassoing and hauling 



156 

out beast after beast, this cow, smelling the blood, be- 
came furious, and, jumping the fence, made with all 
speed straight for our drinking crowd. There was a 
big Irishman named Johnny Murphy standing near 
one of the barrels of liquor with his back to the cow, 
and holding up a glass of liquor. He had just com- 
menced a toast to the health of our good friend and 
host, Mr. Evarro, when the cow caught him between 
the legs on the stumps of her horns, tossed him up, 
and he descended head foremost into the barrel of 
brandy, which was about half full. She then butted 
the barrel over, with Mr. Murphy' s limbs sticking up 
out of it, which was fortunate for him, otherwise he 
would have strangled. The troops around, though 
they laughed heartily, did not like the spilling of 
so much good liquor, and, drawing their revolvers, 
riddled her with balls, killing her at once. Pulling the 
frightened Murphy out of the barrel, it was some time 
before he recovered his breath, when he exclaimed: 
" By the holy St. Patrick! it's the biggest drink of 
liquor I ever had in my life ! " The poor fellow was 
more scared than hurt, and he didn't hear the last of 
that cow till his term of service expired and he was out 
of Mexico. 

We remained at this place till the next morning, en- 
joying ourselves finely, when we resumed our march 
for Saltillo. We left the rescued lady with Mrs. 
Evarro, as she was acquainted with her family in Sal- 
tillo, and would send her there as soon as she should 
be able to travel. 

Two days after leaving Mr. Evarro' s we arrived at 
Buena Vista (Good Sight), a plain between the moun- 
tains, with only two or three houses in sight, and distant 
from Saltillo three or four miles. It had deep gulches 



EECEPTION OF GEN". WOOL. 157 

in places, but there was neither brush, shrubbery, or 
rocks. Here we laid over a day, awaiting further 
orders. 

General Wool, who was quartered on the Mexicans 
in Saltillo with about fifteen hundred troops, came out 
with his staff to see Colonel Doniphan. The troops 
were ordered in line to receive the general. It was an 
odd-looking line, for no two were dressed alike. Most 
of them were in buckskin hunting- shirts and trowsers, 
and many had their trowsers' legs torn. Some were 
mounted on donkeys, some on mustang ponies, and 
others on mules. One officer on Colonel Doniphan's 
staff had on the cap ornamented with feathers and 
horns taken from the Indian chief. Colonel Doniphan 
had the left sleeve nearly torn off his coat. The drill of 
the regiment compared very favorably with its uniform 
— as they had not the least idea of precision in any of 
their movements, or of the silence which is expected of 
regular troops. The general and staff were dressed 
handsomely. He pulled his feather-adorned chapeau 
over his eyes, and turned away his head, smiling. 
Then a salute to the general was fired by the flying 
artillery, which was managed with mules. The general 
pronounced the troops the healthiest looking men he 
had seen in all Mexico. He and his staff dismounted 
and went to Colonel Doniphan's tent to partake of 
some refreshments. While in the colonel's tent, the 
general was startled by a loud report in the rear of the 
tent. He started to his feet, and inquired of the colonel 
what that could be, and was much surprised when he 
replied that he thought it must be some of the boys' 
foolery. That kind of " foolery " in camp was some- 
thing new to the general. It appeared, on inquiry, 
that a box of ball .cartridges, for the artillery, had been 



158 GEN. WOOL AND THE SOLDIEK. 

wet and the powder caked hard, so that they were con- 
sidered useless. These had been taken from the wagon 
and thrown in a pile in the rear of the tent, and near 
by a soldier, called " Dutch John," was cooking his 
dinner. He threw a shovelful of live coals on to the 
cartridges " just to see if they would go," as he said. 
He found out. 

After dinner, the volunteers gathered around to see 
General Wool, talking very freely with the colonel, 
some of them calling him " colonel," some "Doni- 
phan" simply, while others, to abbreviate it, called 
him " Bill." One of them looking straight at General 
Wool, said: 

"Old man, I hearn you had a purty d— d tight fight 
down yander somewhere." 

The general's adjutant standing by, said : 

"Please address him as ' General ; ' that is his title." 

"Wal," said the man, looking up undauntedly at 
the adjutant, "he is an old man. I reckon he can't 
deny that." 

I never saw such a set of men. There was nothing 
on the face of the earth, or in the depths below, that 
they wouldn't fight. Colonel Doniphan thought a 
great deal of them, chatting familiarly with them very 
often. At the battle of Sacramento his battle cry was, 
"Now, boys, every man for Ms turJcey/" They un- 
derstood that, and went every man independently, and 
the result was the Mexicans were soon routed. 

Colonel Doniphan was a lawyer, from Clay County, 
Missouri. He was very tall, handsome, and well-made, 
with a rather dark complexion, black hair and black 
eyes, and always shaved clean. 

General Wool ordered Colonel Doniphan to turn in 
all his cannon, arms, ammunition, and commissary 



BATTLE-GROUND OF BUENA VISTA. 159 

stores to General Taylor, on onr arrival at Monterey. 
He then took Colonel Doniphan, myself, and a number 
of officers to the battle-ground of Buena Vista, in 
which General Taylor had defeated Santa Anna over 
three months before. There were some skeletons of 
Mexicans and of animals which had dried up on the 
battle-field. He showed us where the Indiana Posey 
County men had run, and the position they occupied 
when Jeff Davis reformed them and got them back to 
fighting. General Wool also showed us where General 
Taylor stood at the time of the battle, and where he 
shook hands with Jeff Davis, telling him he now con- 
sidered him worthy of his daughter with whom he had 
eloped, this being the first acknowledgment of the 
son-in-law by the father. General Wool also told us 
that General Taylor's adjutant had twice reported, after 
riding down the whole length of the line, that our 
troops were whipped. "I know it" General Taylor 
had replied ; "but the volunteers don't know it. Let 
them alone, and see what they will do." 

The general and staff then left for Saltillo, and we 
returned to our camp. 



CHAPTEE IX. 

THE day following our visit to the battle-field, we 
marched to Saltillo, where we remained two days, 
after which we went on to Monterey, about thirty miles 
distant, starting early in the morning and arriving there 
late in the evening of the same day. General Taylor 
was encamped about a mile and a half east of Mon- 
terey. 

Colonel Doniphan called on me that night to come to 
his tent. He showed me a list of every thing to be 
turned over to General Taylor. The list embraced 
artillery, wagons, commissary stores, mules, equip- 
ments, &c. He requested me to go and carry a letter 
to the general, that he might be prepared to receive 
every thing on our arrival. I started next morning for 
the general's head-quarters, and found a lot of teams- 
ters hitching up some wagons. Noticing a white-haired, 
short, thick- set, common looking man, without uni- 
form, except a military cap, riding a fine gray horse 
about among the wagons, whom I took for a wagon- 
master, I asked him if he could tell me where General 
Taylor's tent was. He said it was just around a point 
of the woods, and I started for it. He rode directly 
after me, inquiring if I had business with the general. 
I replied that I had a letter for him. He looked at my 
buckskin hunting- shirt, and with a good-natured 
twinkle in his eye, said : 

" I suppose you belong to the buckskin regiment of 
Colonel Doniphan.' ' 




IATTLE OF BDENA VIS^A. 



11 



EEVIEWED BY GEN. TAYLOE. 161 

I told him I did, and he said he was the man I was 
looking for. On arriving at his tent, he said to his 
mulatto man, " Jeff, get out the bottle of brandy, and 
fry some ham and eggs. This fellow looks dry and 
dusty, and has come a long ways." The general sat 
down, and, pulling out my papers, I gave him a list of 
the things to be turned over to him, and a letter from 
Colonel Doniphan. He looked at them, and then, 
calling his orderly, sent for the quartermaster, captain 
of artillery, and a wagon-master, and gave them orders 
to receive what Colonel Doniphan was bringing to 
turn over to them, and stated that the colonel would 
be there shortly. Having received these orders the 
officers retired. 

After breakfasting with the general, we mounted, and 
started to meet the colonel and our train, which was 
close by. I introduced the colonel, and then the gen- 
eral went along toward the rear of the train, looking 
closely at everything, especially the artillery, of which 
we had twenty -four pieces, eighteen of them being 
captured at the battle of Sacramento. The other six 
were flying-artillery which had been brought around 
from Fort Leavenworth. He said he would do all in 
his power to have the eighteen pieces that we captured 
presented by the government to our regiment. It was 
subsequently done, and the cannon remained in St. 
Louis until the opening of the great Rebellion. 

Doniphan' s regiment were sitting on their donkeys, 
mules, and horses, in the road, under the delusion that 
they were drawn up in line. The general passed alongf 
the line with his handkerchief to his face to hide hfe 
smiles. When he had got about half-way down tlfe 
line, Dave McCoy, a big, long, awkward-looking M7s- 
sourian, sitting on a donkey, cried out : 



162 EXECUTION OF MEXICAN GUERRILLA. 

" Well, old man, what do you think of this crowd \ " 

This broke down the good-natured general, who was 
trying hard to maintain his gravity, and he burst into 
a hearty langh. 

" You look as though you had seen hard times," he 
remarked to McCoy. 

" You bet" was McCoy's reply. 

The general rode slowly on his return, chatting with 
Colonel Doniphan, and went on to where the men were 
turning in the military property from Doniphan, and 
asked them if everything had been received. They 
said it had, and he told them to make out an account 
of it so he could give a receipt. He asked Colonel 
Doniphan, the quartermaster, myself, and one or two 
others to go to his tent and partake of refreshments. 
There the general receipted for all that had been de- 
livered. 

Our regiment had been enlisted for six months, and 
they had served three months and more over their time. 
We were ordered to march to Camargo, on our route 
homeward. We marched some twelve miles that day, 
arriving at a small ranche where we encamped. Next 
day, at noon, we reached Seralvo, where there was an 
encampment of Texan rangers. They had just come 
in from a fight with Mexican guerrillas, in which they 
had killed fifteen and captured one, and we stopped an 
hour, during which they took the prisoner out and 
shot him. He exhibited good pluck ; for, after calling 
for a priest to whom he made confession, he put a cigar in 
his mouth, stood up boldly against a wall, facing with 
calm eyes those who shot him. 

That night we stopped at Mier, near the Rio Grande. 
It was here that, while fighting against Mexico, when 
Texas was struggling for independence, some Texan 



TEXAN BANGERS. 163 

rangers were captured by the Mexicans, some two hun- 
dred in number. These prisoners were taken to Mexico. 
On the road to Mexico some were dragged after horses 
till they died. The remainder, on reaching that city, 
were required to draw a life-and-death lottery. One 
bean in ten was black. He who drew this was shot, 
and the others were sentenced to work with ball and 
chain. One of the latter was with our troops. Among 
these Texan rangers was a young, good-looking man, 
Johnny Lewis, who drew a black bean. While stand- 
ing before his executioners, waiting to receive their fire, 
a handsome Castilian lady about his own age, a com- 
parative stranger to him, stepped in front of him and 
offered the officers ten thousand dollars for the young 
man, which proposition was accepted. She took him 
away, and, as her parents were dead and she very 
wealthy, they were married and now live in the city of 
Mexico. To those poor men who drew white beans 
and were working on the streets, this lady and other 
Castilian ladies sent provisions and blankets, to render 
them more comfortable in their lodgings in the castle 
of Chapultepec. This castle is partly a barracks for 
soldiers, and partly a city penitentiary. It was an old 
Spanish castle, built very strongly, with stone walls six 
or eight feet thick, and cells under ground. 

But to return to our regiment. From Mier we 
marched to Camargo, on the river. There was only 
one small boat there, and Colonel Doniphan, who was 
taken sick, went aboard with a few soldiers and the 
rest* of the regiment started down the river by land for 
Matamoras. 

About ten miles from Camargo one of our men, who 
strayed from the regiment a short distance, was shot 
down by Mexican guerrillas. The Shawnees and 



164 SHOOTING GUERRILLAS. 

twenty-five or thirty men were detailed to follow the 
guerrillas. The dead man, named John Wells, who 
had a wife and four children in Missouri, was placed in 
a wagon and taken with the regiment. We buried him 
about ten miles below at Keinosa, where were stationed 
some two hundred of General Taylor' s troops. While 
engaged in burying our comrade, the Shawnees, who 
were keen on the trail, and whom nothing could escape, 
returned with the volunteers, they having followed the 
guerrillas through chaparral and thick brush and 
across a plain to a ranche where they captured nine of 
them. They found their horses covered with sweat, 
and one of the guerrillas had the rifle of the dead man. 
We took the nine Mexicans for trial before Captain 
Cook, who had charge of this place. He was an old- 
fashioned soldier, having been many years in the army. 
He said he knew these Mexicans as they had brought 
beef into the United States store-house here. He ac- 
quitted all but the man with whom the gun was found, 
and he was ordered under arrest. We said to Captain 
Cook, " All right; turn the acquitted men loose." 

Not one of these men got four hundred yards from 
the depot. We were satisfied with the evidence against 
them, if Captain Cook was not. The tracking of them 
up, the sweating horses, and the gun of our friend 
(whose death we sincerely mourned, for he was a fine 
fellow), was strong evidence enough. I was standing 
by a corner of the fence when one of the acquitted 
guerrillas came riding by. I shot him, Gabe Allen 
shot another, and the Shawnees shot the remainder. 
The regiment was excited, and joined with us, when 
we went down to the guard-house, took out the remain- 
ing Mexican, and hung him to a tree in sight of Captain 
Cook. The captain ran out to defend him, when our 



EESACA DE LA PALMA. 165 

boys told him lie had better dry up ; that he had 
struck the wrong crowd, and the best thing he could 
do would be to leave, or they would hang him on a 
tree. 

We continued our march, and on the fourth day 
after leaving Reinosa depot, arrived at Matamoras, 
where we found our colonel, who had improved in 
health. We reported what we had done to those Mex- 
icans. He said he had got a horrible letter from 
Captain Cook, calling us assassins, and giving a dread- 
ful account of our proceedings. We explained, stating 
all the circumstances in full, just as they occurred, and 
then the colonel wrote a letter to Captain Cook, ex- 
pressing his regret that the regiment had not hung 
him too. 

We remained in Matamoras four days, and the day 
before leaving on our journey, Colonel Doniphan, who 
wanted to see the battle-ground of Resaca de la Palma, 
where General La Yega was captured, invited Gabe 
Allen, myself, and some others to accompany him. 
We went, and looked at the palm-tree grove from which 
that portion of the battle-ground derives its name. 
Many of the trees were cut down by cannon-balls. 
Thence we went to the ranche near by, called Palo 
Alto, where the battle commenced. Colonel Doniphan 
sketched down a plan of the battle-field, and we re- 
turned. From the point of attack at Palo Alto, the 
Mexicans had retreated and fought for four miles to the 
place where La Yega was taken. He was a brave and 
talented officer, and left Mexico to reside in the United 
States, when the war was concluded. 

On our return to Matamoras, complaint was made 
against a soldier named Elijah Mann for drunkenness, 
worthlessness, and theft. The colonel issued an order 



166 ARRIVAL AT NEW ORLEANS. 

for drumming him out of camp. He was accordingly 
marched out behind a drum and fife, playing "The 
Rogue's March," and the ceremony completed with a 
kick. 

The next day our mules and horses were all put 
across the Rio Grande into Brownsville, whence the 
animals were to be taken through Texas and the Indian 
territory to Missouri, with an escort of fifty men, be- 
sides the eight Shawnees. We then started for Brazos 
Island, eighteen miles below, at the mouth of the Rio 
Grande, there to take vessels for New Orleans. Most 
of the regiment went down in boats. The remainder 
were transported in government wagons and ambu- 
lances. We arrived at Brazos Island the same after- 
noon. An old government boat lying there was used 
as a hotel, and there were a few frame houses. 

The second day after our arrival, the regiment, with 
their arms, blankets, &c, were embarked on three 
schooners for New Orleans. Two of the schooners ar- 
rived at the light-house, at the mouth of the Mississippi, 
the seventh day after ; the third vessel made the light 
the next day. We were taken in tow by a steam-tug 
and soon arrived at New Orleans. Our barracks, near 
the depot of the Lake Pontchartrain railroad, were 
ready for us, and we proceeded thither. 

Colonel Doniphan was warmly received in New 
Orleans. He was placed in a carriage with ladies, and 
escorted to the St. Charles Hotel by the military and 
fire companies. The pleasing ceremony of paying off 
the regiment was the next thing in order. They were 
all paid for the entire time of over nine months they 
had been in service, and were allowed mileage to take 
them home. An invitation was received from Colonel 
Doniphan for the regiment to meet him the next day in 



A MASQUEKADE BALL. 167 

a large hall for the purpose of hearing a parting speech 
and having a final interview together. That evening, 
the men, having received their pay, threw away their 
old bnckskin suits, got washed and properly barbered 
up, put on new suits, appeared once more in style on 
the streets. 

Gabe Allen, myself, and about twenty -five others 
went to a masquerade ball in the Third Municipality 
Market Hall, a large three-story building close by the 
depot of Lake Pontchartrain railroad. We all took our 
knives and pistols. The doorkeeper said we must leave 
them with him till the ball was over, and that we ought 
to wear masks, &c. We told him that was played out. 
We preferred to appear in our true character with our 
arms with us. He said it was against the law, but we 
replied that we had a law of our own, and as we had 
tickets we pushed the doorkeeper aside and went up 
into the hall where they were dancing. There were a 
great many hackmen and cab-drivers in the hall, and 
what were called the " Sidney Ducks of New Or- 
leans." About 12 o'clock there was a "row" raised 
by the roughs, who felt aggrieved by the marked favor 
with which our party was looked upon by the fair sex. 
During the fracas one of the cab-drivers was thrown 
headforemost out of the window. The hall was soon 
cleared of the troublesome ones, and all promised to 
be quiet. Soon after, two policemen appeared and very 
quietly entered the hall, and immediately found them- 
selves locked in. We told them it was impossible for 
them to take any of us out, or to get out themselves— 
so they might as well accept the situation and enjoy 
themselves. This they proceeded to do, and at the end 
of an hour were in as bad a condition as the fiddlers 
and most of the dancers. The ball closed about 4 



168 



PAYING POLICEMEN'S FINE. 



o'clock, when we left, taking the policemen with us. 
The next morning they were arraigned for not arresting 
the whole party and fined ten dollars. As we knew 
they did the best they could, under the circumstances, 
we did not wish them to suffer on our account, and so 
paid their fines, and they departed with a severe re- 
primand. 




OHAPTEE X. 

IT was now time for the regiment to assemble for the 
last time in the hall, to hear the parting words of 
our beloved colonel. After we had been in the hall 
some time, the colonel arrived, accompanied by the 
proprietor of the St. Charles Hotel, the Mayor of the 
city, other distinguished persons, and the firemen. 
After taking the stand, the colonel looked over the 
crowd, and said : 

"I'm not certain whether these are my men or not. 
They look very differently from their yesterday' s ap- 
pearance ; and the fact is, as I have a new coat, I am 
not sure that I know myself." 

This sally was received with roars of laughter ; but, 
continuing his speech, he thanked them for their valu- 
able services, their uniform good conduct on the march, 
in camp, or in the fight ; for no men could be braver, 
or more obedient. He expressed his regrets at the dis- 
banding of the regiment, but as they had successfully 
accomplished their mission, it was now time for them 
to return to their homes and families. Towards the 
conclusion of his eloquent and pathetic speech, which 
brought the moisture to all eyes, he took occasion to 
pay* a high compliment to me, stating that my map of 
the Mexican position at Sacramento was of great value 
to him, and that I had been serviceable in so many 
ways that the government was under strong obligations 
to me. At the conclusion of the speech, he stated that 



170 PRESENT FROM THE QUARTERMASTER. 

the next day, at ten o'clock, two government boats 
would leave for St. Lonis and Independence, Missouri, 
and he hoped all the men would be ready to accompa- 
ny him home. That evening, the theater would be free 
for the entrance of himself and his regiment, by spe- 
cial invitation, and he hoped all would attend. After 
other kindly words and good advice from the mayor, 
and one or two distinguished citizens, the hall being 
filled with spectators, — many of them the first ladies 
of the city, — the soldiers received many hearty shakes 
of the hand and friendly congratulations, and an hour 
or two of delightful intercourse passed quickly away. 
Just before the assemblage dispersed, the quartermas- 
ter stationed at New Orleans came to me and asked me 
to step around with him to his office, where he paid me 
eight hundred dollars for my services, saying he would 
risk getting it allowed to him. (The government after- 
wards allowed it ir him on his pay-roll.) This was a 
present, and was addition to my pay of one hundred 
and fifty dollar^ a month as interpreter and spy, or 
scout. 

When night came the streets were illuminated, the 
regiment, without arms, formed in procession, with the 
firemen on each side, and Colonel Doniphan with the 
mayor and principal citizens in advance in carriages, 
and thus marched from the St. Charles Hotel to the 
St. Charles Theater, taking a circuit around one or two 
squares for display. The stage was arranged for 
Stickney's Circus in the early part of the evening, 
after which it was raised, when Booth concluded the 
performance with Richard the Third. The whole enter- 
tainment lasted from nine o' clock till midnight. The 
next morning every man was at the boats. 

I intended to remain at New Orleans with my uncle. 



DEPARTURE OF THE REGIMENT. 171 

Going on board the boat on which my brother was em- 
barking, I delivered to him the receipt given me by 
General Santa Anna for the property seized by the 
Mexican government. Colonel Doniphan told me that 
after a short visit among his Missouri friends, he 
should go to Washington, to report in full his opera- 
tions in Mexico. I told him I should depend on him to 
get the receipt placed legally among the claims against 
Mexico. He promised to do so, and afterwards per- 
formed Ms duty, to my entire satisfaction, so that my 
brother drew the money, not without considerable de- 
lay, however, as Mexico was backward about paying 
claims of that nature. 

Before leaving on the boat, Colonel Doniphan and 
Lieutenant Lee each gave me a nattering letter to the 
quartermaster-general at New Orleans, commending 
my services performed for the United States. 

As the boats steamed away up the river, leaving me 
among comparative strangers, an( separating me from 
officers and men whose society h J been very agree- 
able and pleasant, I retraced my steps to the St. 
Charles Hotel with no very comfortable reflections. In 
my last interview with my brother on the boat, I de- 
clined to accompany him home, but instructed him to 
report to my friends, both my good and bad luck in 
Mexico, and my connection with the regiment, &c. 

Having a desire to visit my uncle, whom I had not 
seen since my childhood, I went around to the quarter- 
master-general' s office, left my letters, and drew out 
my money which I had deposited with him, amount- 
ing to twenty -five hundred dollars. He told me he 
should probably soon stand in need of my services if I 
wanted another berth. I got a carriage, and went 
down to my uncle, Henry Hobbs, with my money, and 



172 VISIT TO MY UNCLE. 

asked him if lie would be so kind as to take care of 
that money for me, not letting him know who I was. 
He had been there many years, with a cotton press, 
and become wealthy in the business. He took the 
money and put it in the safe, and as I started to go 
out, he said, — " Sir, you had better take something to 
show that you have left this money with me." I told 
him that I needed nothing. He looked at me in 
amazement. 

After enjoying eight days of uninterrupted pleasure 
and excitement, I went down to my uncle's office and 
told him who I was. He said he thought it very singu- 
lar that a stranger should come and leave that amount 
of money, — twenty -five hundred dollars, — and take 
no receipt. He told me to cut up no more pranks with 
him to test his honesty, or he should pay me off in my 
own coin. I rehearsed to him my adventures and 
wandering experience, and the result was that I had 
to stay at his house three weeks, visiting, having a 
splendid time, and going with the family somewhere 
every evening. 

About this time, General Taylor arrived in New 
Orleans, from Mexico. The unexampled success of 
our raw volunteers and unpracticed regulars, in fight- 
ing the flower of the Mexican army, under the lead of 
Old Zack, had created a furore of excitement in this 
country. The day of his arrival in the city was a gala 
day for New Orleans. He landed in the Third Munici- 
pality, just above the market, with no accompanying 
troops, nor escort, except his staff. Salutes were fired 
as he came up the river. When he landed, he was 
met by the mayor, principal citizens, and all the mili- 
tary and firemen of the city. A procession was form- 
ed, and he was escorted to the St. Charles Hotel. The 





K^-"" 



GENERAL TAYLOR AT NEW ORLEANS. 173 

crowd to see him was so great on the low, flat, market 
roof, that it fell in, impaling one man by the chin on a 
butcher's hook, and injuring several persons severely. 

While the procession was moving, the general saw 
a soldier whom he had sent home with an amputated 
leg, standing in the crowd with his crutch. The gene- 
ral at once ordered the carriage stopped, and took the 
crippled soldier into the carriage with him, saying he 
was his kind of man. He afterwards took him to the 
hotel, and arranged for him to get a pension. 

The general's negro, Jeff, was mounted on Old 
Zack's favorite white horse, which horse had been 
wounded several times. This faithful mulatto servant 
had been all through the Florida war, and saved Gen- 
eral Taylor' s life on one or two occasions ; and, when 
the general died, it was found that, by his will, this 
servant inherited a liberal share of the property. 

That night the city was brilliantly illuminated, and 
grand fire-works lit up the public squares. There were 
also two ships anchored in the river, opposite each 
other, that blazed all over in gaudy colors, every out- 
line of hull, mast, and spar, glowing in fire, while the 
noise of mutual bombardment, and the bursting of 
shells in brilliant colors of flying stars, showed the 
semblance of war. Another fiery scene represented 
the words — "Live Zachary Taylor forever." 

From the hotel the general and staff went to the St. 
Charles Theater, accompanied by a host of friends. 
The performance was similar to that when Colonel 
Doniphan was there. Dan Rice played Clown, and 
during the play he asked the ringmaster if he knew 
why the city dandies of New Orleans were like the 
Mexican army. The answer was that they ran from 
the Taylor. 

12 



174 START FOR VERA CRUZ. 

The general remained four days in New Orleans, 
and then started for home. The yellow fever was 
raging in New Orleans, and I had a slight touch of the 
disease. As soon as I got strong enough, I concluded 
to go up the river to Missouri, and see my friends and 
relatives. When I went to the quartermaster-general 
to bid him good-bye, he said he had been inquiring for 
me three or four days, to take charge of a vessel load- 
ed with mules to be taken to General Worth' s division, 
at Vera Cruz. I told him I was hardly able, but 
would try it. There were ninety- five mules, and 
twenty -five teamsters to be taken. The day after my 
interview with him, I received my rations and forage, 
and started for the mouth of the Mississippi. I 
carried a letter of orders, instructing me to report, im- 
mediately on my arrival at Vera Cruz, and deliver the 
property under my charge, to Quartermaster Maston. 
In twelve hours after leaving New Orleans I was out at 
sea. The second day, the teamsters reported to me 
that they could not eat their rations of weevil bread 
and stinking meat. I examined the provisions and 
found them to be as they stated. Knowing that I had 
sound provisions on the vessel, I asked the steward for 
an explanation. He replied: "The captain bought 
some damaged provisions from the government, and he 
is putting them on your men and saving those furnish- 
ed, for himself." I then kicked in the head of a barrel 
of fresh crackers, and opened a barrel each of beef, pork, 
and pickles, and told the steward to serve out these 
provisions to the men. Turning to the mate, I asked 
the meaning of these proceedings, and he referred me 
to the captain. I went to that officer and told him I 
wanted no more of that conduct towards my men. 
Sound provisions had been provided for the men, and 



EEPORTING. 175 

it was my duty to see that they got them. He became 
very angry, and said I had better take charge of the 
vessel, and that he would report me at Vera Cruz. I 
told him to go ahead ; we would see whose report 
would be relied upon. I ate on deck afterwards with 
the teamsters, and fared better than the captain. 

The third day out we had a severe gale, which lasted 
twelve hours, with such severity that I expected it 
would be necessary to reduce the topheaviness of the 
vessel by throwing the mules overboard. The storm 
abated, however, and on the eighth day after leaving 
the mouth of the Mississippi we arrived safely at Vera 
Cruz, with no damage except the severe rubbing of our 
mules against the stalls, caused by the rolling of the 
vessel. 

The captain immediately lowered his boat and went 
ashore to report me, giving me no chance to go in the 
boat. I hired a boat and followed to report to the 
quartermaster my arrival with the men and property. 
When I arrived at the quartermaster' s department I 
found the captain standing in the office reporting me ! 
I took out my orders and requested the quartermaster 
to send out a steamer to bring ashore the teamsters and 
mules, the latter being in bad condition, owing to the 
rubbing and chafing caused by the storm. As far as 
the captain was concerned, I would attend to his case 
afterwards. 

"Captain," said the quartermaster, "here are this 
man' s orders ; he has charge of all the water, provis- 
ions, and forage. Did he go outside of this to inter- 
fere with your vessel ?" 

"Yes," replied the captain, "he put on a good 
many airs." 

"Mr. Maston," said I, "let me have the order to get 



176 BREAKING MULES. 

my mules off the vessel, and I will come to-morrow 
morning, with my witnesses, and attend to the captain's 
case." 

The quartermaster gave me the order ; I saw the 
captain of the steamer, who brought ashore the men 
and mules, and by sunset the animals were all well 
cared for, and the men provided with quarters. 

The next morning I called on the mate and steward 
to come around to the quartermaster' s office with me, 
when I proved, to the satisfaction of the quarter- 
master, that I had done my duty. Then said I (as 
Captain Smith of the vessel was present), "Mr. Maston, 
as the captain has gone so far, I will go further. I 
don't think he is capable of taking charge of a vessel, 
on account of his constant intoxication. If it had not 
been for the mate, the vessel would have been lost." 

The quartermaster then told the captain he had no 
more use for him. If he had anything aboard, he or- 
dered him to bring it ashore, and he directed the mate 
to take charge of the vessel. 

The quartermaster told me that as soon as my mules 
got rested, I was to take them, with my teamsters, and 
twelve wagons, and break them to work. This was to 
be done on the beach, and this very comical labor I 
commenced on the fourth day after arriving at Yera 
Cruz. About the time of my arrival at Yera Cruz, 
General Scott, having captured Mexico and conquered 
a peace, was recalled to the United States, and I began 
to fear that my military services would soon have an 
end. 



CHAPTEE XL 

ABOUT this time, December, 1847, peace was de- 
clared between the United States and Mexico, 
and orders issued for the withdrawal of our forces from 
the country. After about two weeks patient labor, I 
had got my mules so they would work, and had a train 
of twelve wagons made up. A little incident now oc- 
curred which made an important opening for me. 
Captain Emory, of Mississippi, who was wagonmaster 
for all the trains between Vera Cruz and the city of 
Mexico, for the divisions of Generals Scott and Worth, 
had sold two wagons and two six-mule teams belong- 
ing to the United States government, and appropriated 
the money to his own use. General Twiggs ascertain- 
ed the facts, and sent him to the United States in irons. 
This left a vacancy in the office of head wagonmaster. 
Train inspection was ordered on the beach, by Gene- 
ral Twiggs, of five trains which were wanted to go to 
the city of Mexico, for the purpose of carrying pro- 
visions to all the stations on the road, and bringing to 
Vera Cruz, on the return trip, all the baggage and 
equipments of General Worth' s division. My train of 
twelve wagons was drawn up on the beach, at the head 
of the other four trains. General Twiggs rode out 
on the beach, for inspection, in company with Quarter- 
master Maston. Riding up to my train, he inquired 
who was the wagonmaster there. I replied that I was. 
Said he: "Of course you have a jack-screw, and I 
wish you to take a wagon wheel off, to see whether your 



178 APPOINTED HEAD WAGONMASTER. 

axles are greased, sir." This was soon done, and find- 
ing my wagon axle greased, and noticing that every- 
thing was in good order, he pronounced my train all 
right. I then rode with the general to my twelfth 
wagon. I told him it was my last wagon, and the rest 
belonged to different trains. The train adjoining mine 
was made up with mustang mules, whose backs were 
sore from their harness not being properly fitted, and 
the wagon covers were torn. He ordered the wagon- 
master to take off a wheel, and finding the axle dry, 
he was very indignant. The general, who was a regu- 
lar martinet, then continued his inspection till he had 
examined all the trains, finding none of them satisfac- 
tory ; when he returned to the head of the train, where 
I was sitting on my horse, and said : 

" Colonel Maston tells me you have letters of recom- 
mendation from Colonel Doniphan's regiment, — that 
buckskin crowd ! I lack a head wagonmaster, and I 
wish you to take charge of these live trains for a trip 
to the city of Mexico. You find a man to take charge 
of your train, and then report to Quartermaster Maston, 
who will give you your general orders." 

I went, after inspection, to my camping place, and 
selecting one of my teamsters, named William Sharp, 
who had come from New Orleans with me, put him in 
charge of my train, and hired another man as 
teamster in his place, then reported the changes thus 
made to Colonel Maston, giving their names, &c, and 
told him I awaited his orders. General Twiggs, who 
was in the office, was very social, and asked me a great 
many questions about Colonel Doniphan' s travels and 
his regiment ; and, said he : " You 've got a hard set 
of wagonmasters to deal with. They have been used 
to dealing with a miserable thief, whom I have sent 



LEAVE VEKA CRUZ FOE MEXICO. 179 

home. In government affairs we mnst be very strict, 
and must accomplish orders at all hazards, sir." 

He directed me to get every thing necessary to fit up 
the train, from Colonel M aston, and undergo a general 
examination ; then report to him, and he would give 
me an escort of fifty men, who would obey all my 
orders. Colonel Maston selected an officer to go with 
me to call a meeting of the wagonmasters, and present 
me to them as head wagonmaster ; after which I re- 
quested each wagonmaster to go through his train, 
examine it thoroughly, and find out what was neces- 
sary to put them in condition. Some wanted wagon 
covers, others lacked harness, and some wanted black- 
smith work. These matters were attended to, all 
needful supplies furnished, and the next day we load- 
ed up with provisions and forage, with orders to leave 
certain specified quantities at each station from Vera 
Cruz to the city of Mexico, for the use of General 
Worth' s returning division. Then reporting to Gene- 
ral Twiggs that I was all ready for the trip, he called 
an officer, directing him to take fifty men and go with 
my trains to see them safe through, and compel obedi- 
ence to my orders from the men under my charge. 

The day following we started on our way, traveling 
slowly, and camping at a station called Santa Fe, 
about twelve miles from Vera Cruz. There I left what 
provisions and forage were necessary, as per order. 
The second night we camped and left supplies at San 
Juan, a place belonging to General Santa Anna, where 
a small American force was camped. The third night, 
at Plan del Rio, where Santa Anna blew up a bridge 
to obstruct General Scott' s march, thus gaining time 
in fortifying at the battle ground of Cerro Gordo. The 
fourth evening we camped at the National Bridge, and 



180 FIELD OF CERRO GORDO. 

at each station left provisions and forage. After trav- 
eling a few miles, the morning we left the National 
Bridge, we discovered a dismounted twenty-four 
pounder cannon in the road, and near it, many bones 
and skulls ; also, fragments of clothing, &c. This was 
the field of Cerro Gfordo ; and Captain Wilson, who 
commanded my escort, having been in that battle, 
showed me the positions of the contending forces; 
also, where General Worth had drawn up his artillery 
over a rough mountain side covered with brush, and 
too steep for animals. At this place a road was cut 
through the brush, men scaled the steep mountain a 
distance of a hundred and fifty yards, or more, and 
drew up the cannon by ropes, requiring a force of two 
hundred men to each piece. When daylight appear- 
ed, General Worth had flanked the Mexicans and had 
his cannon planted and frowning in their faces, while 
General Scott was upon them in the rear. Santa Anna 
was surprised and defeated ; escaping in disguise by 
wearing only his drawers and shirt, while another 
officer, wearing a uniform, was eagerly pursued and 
taken prisoner under the impression that it was Santa 
Anna. Captain Wilson also showed me a precipice of 
a hundred feet, over which many of the panic-stricken 
Mexicans threw themselves. 

The fifth night we arrived at a small station called 
Toluca, supplying the station ; and the following eve- 
ning found us at x Jalapa, which is quite a city, where a 
force of American troops were stationed, for the se- 
curity of trains between Yera Cruz and Mexico. Here, 
also, we left supplies. This region has a delightful 
climate, and is rich in coffee, oranges, and bananas. 

We next camped at Perote ; then at a small village 
where fancy Mexican spurs, saddles, bridles, and 



AKEIVAL AT MEXICO. 181 

knives are made ; and the night after at the city of 
Puebla. There we found five hundred of our men sta- 
tioned, who were greatly relieved by the stores we left 
them. The next station to be furnished was Rio Frio, 
at the Sierra Madre (Mother Mountain) ; then Pinal 
Blanco, six miles from Mexico, where we left the last of 
our loads, and arrived, with our wagons perfectly empty, 
in the city of Mexico in twelve days from Vera Cruz. 

After I had encamped my trains in the city, I took 
my letters from General Twiggs and repaired to Gene- 
ral Worth, to report my arrival. He gave me a requi- 
sition on the quartermaster-general for all provisions, 
forage, &c, needed by my train, and informed me that 
he should not be able to close up his official business so 
as to leave in less than eight days. He immediately 
issued an order, announcing to the authorities of the 
city that he should remain only a week longer, and it 
would be necessary for them to organize a home-guard 
for the preservation of good order after the United 
States troops had left the country ; also, that if they had 
not arms sufficient, he would furnish a supply for that 
purpose. There was at once organized a force of eight 
hundred men, called the National Guard of the City 
of Mexico, to whom the general issued arms, ammu- 
nition, and every thing else necessary. 

General Worth' s army had lost eight officers at the 
taking of the city of Mexico, and orders were issued 
to me for the removal of their bodies from the ceme- 
tery, in order that they might be embalmed, prepara- 
tory .to my taking them to Vera Cruz in a wagon de- 
tailed for that purpose. This duty was attended to 
properly, and I afterwards saw them safely placed on 
board the steamer at Yera Cruz. 

A few days before we left the city, the general noti- 



182 SALUTING FLAGS. 

lied the Mexican authorities of the day of his depart- 
ure, inviting them to assemble their troops, and meet 
his on the public plaza, for the purpose of firing 
mutual salutes on the hauling down of the American 
and raising of the Mexican flag. On the morning ap- 
pointed, the recently organized National Guard, with 
a band of music, appeared on the Plaza, and were met 
by General Worth, with his army. While the Amer- 
ican flag was being lowered, and the Mexican raised, 
the bands played appropriate airs, and when the Mex- 
ican flag reached the topmast, it was saluted by the 
artillery of our army. The Mexicans showed their 
respect for the American flag by cheers and an infantry 
salute. This impressive ceremony was witnessed by a 
very large portion of the people of the city. 

Immediately after the close of this ceremony, the 
word was given to march, and our troops, accompanied 
by the Mexican guard to the limits of the city, their 
band playing a farewell air, started for Yera Cruz, 
the immense crowd thronging the streets, and very 
many of them expressing regret at our departure, as 
they felt that General Worth's administration had 
been very favorable to poor people. 

It was late in the afternoon before we got out of the 
city, and we only made six miles that day, stopping 
at the station of Pinal Blanco, the first station on the 
return trip. 

I had a very different freight now from the provis- 
ions and forage I left Vera Cruz with, and my trains 
would remind one of moving day in New York. There 
were tents, and camp equipage of all kinds, saddles, 
old harness, blankets, and quartermaster stores, dis- 
abled guns, and some ammunition ; also, a fair sprink- 
ling of crippled soldiers riding on top of each load, 



THE KETUEN. 183 

resembling, in some respects, an omnibns overloaded 
with outside passengers. 

The second evening after leaving Mexico, we arrived 
at Puebla, where we were delayed two days, breaking 
up the camp of our troops there, and loading their 
equipage, General Worth also assisting the city gov- 
ernment in raising a military force for its protection 
after our departure. 

After leaving Puebla we pushed on for Yera Cruz, 
stopping at each station along the road which I had 
supplied with forage and provisions, and picking up 
our troops, who were rejoiced to leave the country and 
get away from the many diseases that were now opera- 
ting like a scourge among them. Before we reached 
the place where I had seen the dismounted twenty -four 
pounder in the road, the general sent forward machin- 
ists, with proper tools, and had about a foot of the 
muzzle sawed off, which he placed in one of my 
wagons, to be forwarded to Washington as a trophy. 

On the route we saw where Santa Anna had blown 
up a bridge to delay General Worth's division ; and 
General Worth showed me where he threw a pontoon 
bridge across the creek, or river, in two hours. It was 
the plan of the Mexican general to retreat rapidly 
enough to blow up the National Bridge, but he failed 
to do it. This is a very large structure, built of solid 
masonry laid in cement, by the Spanish government, 
and the piers and abutments are probably one hundred 
feet high. General Worth' s haste in laying the pon- 
toon bridge across the creek at Plan del Rio, enabled 
him to pursue the retreating Mexicans to the National 
Bridge, where they found holes drilled ready for 
blasting and destroying a section, but the Mexicans 
being compelled to leave suddenly, our troops crossed 



184 CAMP NEAR VERA CRUZ. 

tlie bridge in safety. The day before we arrived at 
Vera Cruz, in the valley of Santa Fe, we met General 
Twiggs, with his brigade of soldiers. General Worth 
inquired as to the prospect of vessels to take his men 
home. General Twiggs replied that it was very poor, 
and his men were dying at Vera Cruz, from sun-stroke, 
fevers, and other diseases. He was losing more men 
by sickness than he had on the battle-field. After 
counseling together, General Worth said that if such 
were the facts, he thought it best to leave the men out- 
side of Vera Cruz, where the air was purer, until 
vessels could be obtained to take them home. 

General Worth encamped his men in a pleasant 
grove in the Santa Fe valley, near a stream of pure 
water. All the wagons were overhauled, and such 
things taken out as the troops needed, after which I 
took the train into the city, had all the wagons unladen 
at the government warehouse and loaded up with pro- 
visions and forage, to return to camp, thus keeping the 
army supplied till they could be shipped home from 
Vera Cruz. 

In an interview with General Twiggs, to whom I 
made my report, he said he was very glad I had no 
trouble with the wagonmasters, as he feared they had 
learned some bad lessons from my predecessor. He 
ordered me to keep my trains at Vera Cruz, but to 
transport all needful stores to the camp, eight miles 
distant, as often as necessary, and to come to him for 
orders if I stood in need of any thing. 

The day after my interview with him, General 
Twiggs caused a gallows to be erected on the beach, to 
hang a Texan Hanger who was a member of Colonel 
Jack Hays's regiment of six hundred men, and who 
had been arrested for shooting an inoffensive Mexican. 



TEXAN EANGEES. 185 

This was really a case of injustice, as I was an eye- 
witness of the affair, as it happened when I was in the 
city after forage, and I was called upon as a witness at 
the trial. The facts were, that as the Texan was walk- 
ing on the street with a bundle of fodder under his 
arm, a drunken Mexican ran out from a grocery and 
said he would kill one Texan before they got out of the 
country, at the same time drawing a long knife from 
his legging. I shouted a warning to the Texan, who 
sprung to one side, threw the bundle in the Mexican' s 
face, and drawing his six-shooter, shot him dead. 
General Twiggs did not like the regiment, for, as has 
been said, he was a martinet, and the material of this 
regiment was such that they did not take kindly to his 
strict ideas of discipline. The gallows was prepared 
for the execution to take place the ensuing day at 
eleven o'clock. The Texan was taken out on the 
beach to the gallows, and walking boldly up, seated 
himself on the drop. The regiment of Texan Rangers 
rode up, surrounding the gallows, and with their 
pistols and carbines loaded, ordered the man to "come 
down off of that," which he did. He mounted the 
horse of a comrade, arms were given him, and then 
the regiment went into the city, got to drinking, and 
commenced tearing through the streets like madmen, 
inquiring for General Twiggs, and threatening him 
with instant death. It was nearly dark, and Twiggs, 
who had no troops in the city except a small body 
guard, was secreted in the Custom House, which stood 
at the edge of the mole, near the castle, so that vessels 
could land at its side. The gates of the Custom House 
were closed, to keep out the crowd. Twiggs crawled 
through a window facing the sea, got into a boat, and 
was taken by United States marines on board the 



186 SALES AT AUCTION. 

steamer New Orleans, which was anchored about a 
mile from the Custom House. 

The following morning General Twiggs sent orders 
to Colonel Maston to send the Rangers to Texas imme- 
diately. After some delay, occasioned by the regi- 
ment demanding transportation for some of their lady 
friends who wished to accompany them, they were 
finally embarked. After they had gone, the general 
came on shore, feeling much relieved to find the town 
free from the unruly regiment. 

That afternoon, four government transport steamers 
arrived, and the next day the general put mules, 
horses, and all government property under the ham- 
mer, selling it for what it would bring, and started me 
with my trains out to where General Worth' s division 
were encamped, to bring in their baggage and stores. 
When my trains arrived and were unloaded, they 
were also sold at auction as they stood on the beach, 
with the mules in harness. Wagons brought twenty- 
six dollars each, mules fourteen to twenty dollars a 
pair, and some fair horses sold for two dollars and 
fifty cents each ! 

The men were then embarked on the steamers with 
all haste, on account of the deadly ravages of disease. 
A pontoon bridge, which cost the United States a very 
large amount, was abandoned and left lying in the 
quartermaster's department grounds, where I suppose 
it rotted down or was cut up for firewood. Haystacks, 
and much other property, were left without selling at 
all. Some Americans could not resist these opportu- 
nities, and staid to speculate. 

The day before the troops embarked, I was paid off, 
and decided to stay in Mexico. I accompanied Gene- 
rals Worth, Twiggs, and Kearney (who previous to 



CASTLE OF SAN JUAN DE ULLOA. 187 

this had been laid up sick at Yera Cruz) on board the 
vessel to see them off, and was urged by them to go to 
the United States, but declined, and bade them fare- 
well, thinking I could do better in Mexico. 

After continuing in Yera Cruz about a week longer, 
I had a desire to visit the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa, 
which is a prison as well as defense of the harbor, and 
obtained permission through a justice of the peace. 
He said it was customary for visitors to take a basket 
of provisions for the prisoners, and that was looked 
upon by the jailor as a sort of ticket of admission. I 
procured the provisions, hired a boat and went to the 
castle, which is built in the sea, about a mile from 
shore, and was cordially admitted. There were fifty 
or sixty prisoners, and I was surprised to see that 
nearly all of them were as white as sheets. The light 
of the sun never penetrated with its cheerful rays into 
those cells. I went through the entire prison, giving a 
portion of my basket of provisions to each criminal. 
The cells run ten or fifteen feet below the level of the 
sea, and there are four ranges of cells, in circular form, 
one above another, and the lower tiers are very damp. 
In high tide the sea runs within a few feet of the top 
of the castle. The light that struggled down through 
the thick glass skylight lighted up the two uppermost 
tiers well enough, but the third was darker, and the 
lowest absolutely in pitchy darkness. In the lower 
tier were prisoners who were guilty of murder and 
other high crimes, and were confined for life, and they 
saw absolutely nothing, except twice a day, when the 
jailor, with his tallow candle, carried them their miser- 
able rations. These cells receive no ventilation, except 
by a sail-cloth and suction-pipe. The corpse-like ap- 
pearance of the prisoners in the dark cells was truly 



188 



A PICTURE OF MISEKY. 



frightful. There was one man there eighty-five or 
ninety years old, whose head was white as snow, and 
finger nails an inch long. The jailor said this prison- 
er was committed for the murder of his wife and four 
children. Other prisoners looked wretchedly, but this 
old man was the picture of misery and despair. 

On coming out of the prison, I mounted the outside 
walls, and saw some places which appeared to have 
been damaged by the bombardment by our fleet, the 
year previous. The wall was from five to eight feet 
thick, and the whole protected by breakwaters. I left 
the castle and went ashore, feeling truly thankful that 
I could breathe the free air of heaven and mingle with 
society. 




CHAPTEE XII. 

THE city of Yera Cruz is situated on a sand plain, 
and lies nearly on a level with the ocean. Com- 
mencing at the mole, a wall built of rock and cement 
fifteen or twenty feet high, extends entirely around the 
city to the water' s edge at the opposite side, being like 
an immense horse-shoe in shape. A mole is built along 
the entire front, and at each end of it is built a strong 
fort, where heavy guns are mounted. The wall around 
the city is about three feet thick, and has port-holes at 
intervals, for infantry to fire through. There are only 
three gates, one of which opens to the north-west, being 
the road to Mexico. Another gate opens to the south- 
west, the road leading to the city of Orizaba, and the 
south-east gate is the entrance for all the vast trade 
from the country about Tabasco, from which district 
comes the greatest variety of tropical fruits, as well as 
cacao-nuts, from which chocolate is made in large 
quantities and shipped from Yera Cruz. 

^11 the gates are kept locked at night, to keep con- 
traband goods from going out or coming in, and for 
the city's defense. No person resides outside of 
the wall, which, as well as the forts at its ends, and 
the castle of San Juan de Ulloa, were built by old 
Spain. To this wall, and the filth of the city, I attrib- 
ute the ill-health of Yera Cruz. The wall prevents 
ventilation, for no breeze ever reaches the city except 
in one direction, from the sea. Turkey buzzards in the 
streets of Yera Cruz are as tame as chickens, and any 
13 



190 EETUEN TO MEXICO. 

person hurting one subjects himself to a fine of ten 
dollars. The streets are very narrow and dirty, and 
the people remarkably filthy, and there is no drainage. 
The natives are very dark-colored, being a mixture of 
a little of every kind of breed. 

The dress of the ladies is rather primitive, most of 
them wearing a linen chemise, a silk handkerchief 
around the neck, a petticoat fastened at the waist, stock- 
ings and slippers, tortoise-shell combs in their hair, 
necklaces of pearls, and jewelry in their ears and on 
their fingers. The men of Vera Cruz wear such a va- 
riety of dress that there is no need of any description ; 
but they uniformly wear a broad-brimmed straw hat, 
called a " Sombrero," a jacket, and loose pair of 
coarse trowsers. 

I was soon employed again, for a wealthy merchant 
named James Saratusa, owning a stage line from Vera 
Cruz to Mexico, requested me to take a train of seventy- 
five wagons, loaded with goods, to the city of Mexico, 
which I agreed to deliver to a rich Castilian in that city, 
named Kitania Ruby, for the sum of seven hundred dol- 
lars. With a strong guard of mounted men I started the 
train for the city of Mexico, stopping at the castle of 
Perote, laying by there two days to rest my teams. By 
permission of the authorities I examined the castle, 
which is strongly built of rock and cement, and protect- 
ed by a double wall around it : the intervening space of 
twenty feet between each wall is spanned by a draw- 
bridge, which is let down or drawn up by a windlass, 
this being the only means of access to the castle. Be- 
tween the inner wall and the castle, which is three 
stories in height, there is a space of about ten feet all 
around. At the rear of the castle, outside the walls, 
stands a great wooden cross full of holes, and sur- 



ORIZABA AND POPOCATEPETL. 191 

rounded by men' s bones. It is asserted that during 
the struggle of the Mexicans for independence, this was 
the place for the execution of Spanish prisoners. At 
the foot of the cross is an iron chair, very conveniently 
arranged for the unfortunate victim who is sentenced to 
die by the garroting process, instead of by the bullet. 

From Perote we went forward to Puebla, which is 
one of the handsomest cities in the Mexican Republic. 
It is in a beautiful valley, surrounded by a thickly set- 
tled country, and in plain sight and not far to the east 
is the snow-capped volcano of Orizaba. When the 
weather is clear there is usually thick smoke seen 
rising from the crater of this volcano, and the snow 
ever glittering on its summit is seen by the mariner out 
at sea long before he sees the land, though the volcano 
is inland some seventy miles. The great chain of 
mountains, running northward into Russian America, 
seems to start with this volcano for its base ; though to 
the south the chain commences again after a little 
stretch of level country, and extends down through 
Guatemala and Central America. 

To the south-west of Puebla is another volcano called 
Popocatepetl. It lies between Puebla and Mexico; 
and on the side towards Mexico, a large glacier ex- 
tends down from which ice is easily obtained in 
sufficient quantities to supply those two cities. The 
western side, so glassy in appearance, glitters beauti- 
fully in the rays of the setting sun. 

Within sight of Puebla, in the same lovely valley, 
is the village of the Publanos, a remnant of the ancient 
Aztec race. They are peaceable, industrious Indians, 
and have orchards and farms. They burn charcoal, 
make chairs, and haul wood, besides getting a good 
living off their farms. There are no half-breeds among 



192 CURIOSITIES OF MEXICO. 

them, for they will mix witli no other tribes of Indians, 
nor with Mexicans. 

Our way led over the mountains, in which is the 
volcano of Popocatepetl. Ascending ten miles over a 
rough road, and descending nearly as many on the 
opposite side of the mountain, we passed through 
heavy forests of pine, sugar-pine and fir-trees. Before 
Juarez time it was a harbor for thieves, who infested 
this forest and attacked the stages almost every time 
they passed. On the summit is the station of Rio 
Frio, called after a little stream running down among 
the hills, which is so cold that it is difficult to drink 
freely of it. 

I arrived with my train and escort at the city of 
Mexico, and turned over to Mr. Ruby the wagons, 
teams, and merchandise entrusted to my charge by his 
partner at Vera Cruz. He wanted me to stay with him 
and run his trains regularly between the two cities ; 
but I declined, telling him that money would not tempt 
me to go back to Yera Cruz. He paid me off, and I re- 
mained in Mexico about two months, examining the 
curiosities of that ancient city, and interesting myself 
in learning its manners and customs. The city is al- 
most an island, being surrounded by a lake and a 
canal, and entered by only four roads. At the museum, 
which I visited first, there were many wonderful things 
on exhibition. One was the " Mammoth rib," which 
is so large as to require four men to lift it. There was 
beside it a great tooth which, probably, came from the 
same animal, and its decayed hollow would hold a peck 
of corn. Standing on the ends of its four roots, it was 
about as high as the seat of a common chair, and a 
person could sit on it comfortably. The Mexican ac- 
count of the finding of these bones is, that some men 



CUEIOSITIES CONTINUED. 193 

were digging for limestone on the further side of the 
lake opposite the city, and found them imbedded in 
the soft limestone. 

I saw a stuffed serpent there, said to be from Monte- 
zuma' s museum, which was six and a half yards in 
length, with two distinct and perfectly formed heads. 
The point of separation was about four inches back of 
the nose. In the middle it was as thick as an ordinary 
man' s body. 

In a large glass bottle were preserved a pair of In- 
dian connected baby twins. The connection was 
similar to that of the Siamese twins ; but the birth of 
these had been premature, and they were only six or 
eight inches long. 

In the center of the museum was the bronze statue 
of a horse, called the " Trioya Horse," on which was 
the statue of Charles the Fourth, looking through a 
spy-glass. It is a wonderful piece of work, and was 
made by some unknown artist, so long ago that there 
is no record of his name ; still, there is a legend that 
he was shot for possessing supernatural powers. The 
horse is shod, and one foot is raised. The bridle, the 
veins in the skin, the mouth and eyes, are perfect, and 
in size it is much larger than any common horse. In 
his side is a door, which, when shut, cannot be seen, 
but when open, a man can enter and sit inside. I went 
into it myself. The statue is moulded on a pedestal, 
and the whole work, including the pedestal, is cast in 
one piece. England offered thirty thousand dollars for 
it, and General Worth tried hard to get it to take to 
Washington. The Trioyas are said to be a* tribe of 
Aborigines who were exterminated by Montezuma. 

I went next to see the " Church of the Virgin Mary," 
three miles east of the city of Mexico, at the foot of a 



194 THE AECHES OF WATER. 

small mountain, and, I suppose, one of the richest 
churches in Mexico. The ornaments and altar decora- 
tions were elegant and costly ; but what attracted my 
notice was a statue of the Virgin Mary, about the com- 
mon size of a woman, standing on a moss- covered rock 
within the altar. She had a crown of gold on her 
head, angel' s wings, a shining corona all around her, 
and was covered all over with gold-stars and spangles. 
The natives believe in an old legend which makes the 
origin of this angelic figure very miraculous, and the 
construction of the church is also considered miracu- 
lous by those deluded people. 

From the church I went to look at "The Arches of 
Water." This is the acqueduct that supplies the city 
of Mexico with water from a reservoir eight miles dis- 
tant. It is built of rock and cement, supported by 
arches and piers of the same material, and is so high 
above the ground in some places that a man cannot 
throw a stone over it. The reservoir is also built of 
rock and cement, and supplies the city with all the 
water they need. It is a very ancient work and is 
supposed to have been built at about the aame time as 
the old castle of Chapultepec. 

On returning to the city of Mexico, I found about 
one hundred Irishmen, who had deserted from the 
United States army and fought on the side of the Mex- 
icans, on account of the Mexican religion being Catholic. 
They were part of two or three hundred Irishmen who 
deserted from General Scott's army on his way to Mex- 
ico, went ahead and joined the Mexicans, aiding 
materially in making the battle of Molino del Key, a 
short distance from Mexico, almost a disastrous affair 
for us. This one hundred escaped, though numbers 
were killed and thirty taken prisoners. Those thirty 



Montezuma's stone almanac. 195 

General Scott hung to the limbs of cotton-wood trees 
as soon as General Worth planted onr flag on the bat- 
tlements of Chapultepec. Now, I saw before me this 
band of one hundred Irish deserters enlisted as a guard 
for the city of Mexico, under the name of the St. 
Patrick's guard, and commanded by an Irish soldier 
named Riley, who had deserted before the war com- 
menced, and, instead of suffering death, as in time of 
war, had been let off with the letters, U. S., branded on 
one cheek. 

I had heard a great deal of "Montezuma's Stone 
Almanac," and, having leisure, went to see it. It is a 
rock in the form of a cube, fifteen feet thick, lying close 
by the door of St. John's church. On one side more 
than a hundred new moons and over a hundred stars 
are engraved. On the opposite side are engraved 
lizards, snakes, toads, and different kinds of animals. 
On another side were ancient letters. I understand 
Spanish and half a dozen Indian tongues, but could 
make nothing of these curious signs. On the other side 
were cut full-sized representations of Montezuma and 
his wife. I could not see what was on the top for I 
could not get up there. Such were the contents of this 
celebrated Almanac. 

During my stay in the city we had two shocks of 
earthquake. The most frightful of all scenes was pre- 
sented. The waters of the lake were fearfully thrown 
up and agitated, overflowing the streets of the city. In 
many places the Mexicans gathered, and knelt, and 
prayed till the excitement was over. I was in a square 
close by the Cathedral. The bell-tower of the church 
was split by the earthquake, and through the opening 
the bell, weighing over two tons, was cast out and fell 
in front of the church, narrowly missing the head of a 



196 ENGLISH MINING COMPANY. 

man standing in the door. This bell is supposed to be 
a third silver and gold, is quite large, and the ringing 
of its clear notes can be easily heard nine miles from 
the city. 

I was not willing to remain unemployed for any 
length of time, and was soon offered the conductorship 
of the same train of seventy -five wagons that I had 
brought through from Vera Cruz. This was in the 
spring of 1849. A wealthy English firm, Mcintosh & 
Co., who owned mines in six Mexican States, had pur- 
chased the train of Ruby & Co., and desired me to go 
with it to Guanaxuato, about one hundred and sixty 
miles north-west of Mexico. That was the head- 
quarters of the mining company. On my arrival there 
with the train, Mr. Mcintosh employed me to haul his 
immensely rich silver ore from the mine, six miles 
away, to Guanaxuato, where they refined it. I made 
a trip with the seventy -five wagons every day, except 
Sundays, for four months. Besides my wagons there 
was a train of pack mules making daily trips. The 
vein of metal was an immense one — nine feet thick, 
and of great depth — being worked with many shafts 
and drifts. It had been worked since the time of 
Old Spanish Dominion, and is now yielding large 
profits. 

During my stay there I had an escort of fifteen Eng- 
lish soldiers with every day's trip, who guarded our 
freight with as much care as if it were pure silver. If 
a Mexican succeeded in stealing a hatful he got a hun- 
dred dollars. The Spanish name of this mine was the 
"Luce," (Light in English). I may here notice that 
this range of mountains called the Sierra Madre in 
Mexico, and Sierra Nevada in the United States, are, in 
my opinion, the richest in the world, as they abound 



PEECAUTIONS AGAINST THEFT. 197 

in silver and quick- silver, as well as gold, copper, and 
iron occasionally. 

The Mexicans employed in the mine were great 
thieves. There was much virgin silver found, usually 
in thin flakes in crevices of the rocks. Before going 
down into the mine, the laborers strip off all their 
clothes to a simple breech-cloth, and hand them to a 
person appointed to take charge of them. When they 
come out they often have strips and pieces of virgin 
silver worth from two to five dollars shoved under 
their hair, or secreted in their mouths, or hidden under 
their breech- cloths. There is a great deal of mud in 
the mines which facilitates stealing. Upon coming out 
of the mine their breech- cloths are taken off and shaken, 
and they are then allowed to put on their clothes. 
There were five hundred men employed in the mine 
day and night. Under the law, when a man is found 
with metal secreted about him, he receives fifteen to 
twenty lashes with a cowhide on his naked back, and 
is sent back into the mine to work without pay for a 
week. 

The mine is ventilated with air shafts three and a 
half feet square, to the number of twenty, and several 
of them are five hundred feet in depth. Without 
these shafts the air at such a distance from the surface 
would be impure and dangerous. An extraordinary 
occurrence at one of these shafts showed the extreme 
hazard to which a Mexican thief will expose himself. 

One day a laborer was missed at roll-call by the over- 
seer of his department. Fred. Glenning, the assay er 
and general manager went directly to the door-keeper. 

" Here's his clothes," said the door-keeper. "He 
never went out this way." 

" He must have gone out this way," was the remark 



198 SAMPLE OF THIEVING. 

of the assay er. " There is no other way, and yon mnst 
acconnt for him." 

While thns talking, some persons who had been sent 
ont to hnnt the Mexican, came np with him, naked, 
except a blanket aronnd him. They also brought 
twenty -five pounds of virgin- silver and ore worth at 
least two hundred and seventy -five dollars, which they 
found tied up in his breech- cloth, and which he had 
accumulated and hidden in the mine. They found him 
standing by the gate with his plunder, for, as the mine 
is surrounded by a smooth stone wall, fifteen feet high, 
with sentry boxes on top, the man had no means of es- 
cape, except he slipped out with some wagon. Finding 
he had to go to jail, the Mexican confessed, saying : 

"Don't blame the door-keeper. I'm the only one to 
blame. I didn't come out that way." 

"How, then, did you get out?" inquired the man- 
ager. 

"I will show you," replied the Mexican, taking him 
to a shaft over four hundred feet deep. 

' ' Impossible, ' ' cried out the manager. l ' If you will 
go down into the mine the usual way, past the door- 
keeper, and then come up through this air shaft, bring- 
ing twenty -five pounds of ore, I will let you off from 
punishment, and give you the ore you bring up and the 
twenty-five pounds already brought up." . 

The Mexican went into the mine as directed, and after 
some time had elapsed, was seen working his way up, 
putting his toes and fingers on opposite sides of the 
shaft into the little indentures left in blasting, where a 
slip of half an inch would have been irretrievably fatal. 
Tied up in his breech-cloth, which hung suspended 
from his forehead, was about twenty -five pounds of ore. 
He came out safely, and the amazed manager bade him 



EXPEEIENCE IN BLASTING. 199 

leave at once and never show his face about there again, 
threatening to shoot him if he did. Another stealing 
trick served for a standing joke against Mr. Glenning. 
A very valuable specimen of silver ore was got out and 
handed to the manager for examination. He placed it 
under him, after showing it to several gentlemen, and 
was busily engaged about some other matter, till a ser- 
vant came along sweeping and cleaning up, and Mr. 
Glenning raised up and took a seat a little way off ; but 
the thieving Mexican contrived to substitute for the 
specimen a different rock, of the same size, but of no 
value. This, when discovered, cost the poor servant a 
tremendous flogging. 

After serving four months as wagon-master, Mr. 
Glenning being in want of a foreman in the blasting de- 
partment, requested me to superintend it for a short 
time, and for two months I endeavored to discharge 
that duty, though I did not like the dangerous busi- 
ness. It was part of my duty to measure the holes 
drilled by the men, which were to be eighteen inches 
deep. One day, while thus employed, a Mexican laborer, 
who had been carelessly admitted below while drunk, 
was sitting down with a lot of loose powder in an open 
handkerchief on the ground between his legs. He be- 
gan to smoke a cigarette, and dropped fire into the 
powder, which, in its explosion, threw him against the 
rocks, dashing his brains out. A flat stone struck me 
in the side and knocked me close to a shaft fifty feet 
deep. A foot or two further and I should have lost my 
life. I did not consider this a healthy business and 
gave up my position, excusing myself on the ground 
of the exceeding dampness below affecting my health. 

I then took charge of the wagons again. The fourth 
day, after renewing my trips, I was about half a mile 



200 AN EXPLOSION. 

from the mine with my teams, when the company's 
magazine of five hundred kegs of blasting pcfwder, 
some three hundred yards from the mine, and in the 
edge of the town of Luce, blew up. It shat- 
tered the building over the mine, shook the hill, 
and down deep in the mine flung rocks upon the 
miners from the roofs of their drifts, killing many. 
Others working in spurs at a distance from the ventil- 
ating shafts were suffocated. Altogether, eighty -five 
miners perished, and about sixty -five or seventy others 
were killed outside. The magazine was strongly built 
of stone and cement, but nothing remained of it except 
the foundation. As I felt the explosion and looked 
back, the smoke was bursting up like a great white 
cloud, in the midst of which were flying rocks. Near 
to me fell a human arm, probably one of the guards, as 
it had the cuff of a soldier's coat on it. Bottles and 
fragments of goods from a grocer's stand near the mag- 
azine flew past our heads. As soldiers constantly 
stood on guard and prohibited smoking within one hun- 
dred and fifty yards of the grounds, the cause of the 
explosion was and is a mystery. 

After I had worked another month with my teams, I 
was one Sunday sitting in my room, when a Mexican 
came in with a beautiful piece of metallic ore, which he 
said he had found in a ledge and was not able to work 
it, but, if after looking at the specimen, I wished to 
work the mine, he would labor for me and sell the claim 
at my own price. He called again on Monday and I 
went with him to inspect the vein, which ran into a 
mountain in which there was an old Spanish mine, 
called the " Valenciana." This was in the edge of the 
city of Guanaxuato. On my showing the specimen to 
Fred. Gflenning, said he : 



SUCCESS IN MINING-. 201 

' ' Why, that' s half silver ! Where did you get it % " 
I told him a Mexican had given it to me. He said he 
would assay it, and, after doing so, it proved very rich. 
I told him the vein was six inches wide only and very 
thin, but he said it was good property and I had better H 
secure it. I immediately found the Mexican and pur- 
chased his right to the mine for twenty-five dollars, and 
went to the judge of the mining district and had the 
claim recorded in my own name. I then hired an ex- 
perienced miner and told him to put half a dozen men 
at work on my account. They worked on the mine 
some three weeks, at a cost to me of six hundred dol- 
lars, and appeared to get but little metal. One Satur- 
day evening, after settling up, I told them to discontinue 
their mining as I was dissatisfied with the results of 
their labor. The head miner begged the privilege of 
working for me with the help another week at the ledge, 
and they kept at it day and night. One night I was 
awakened about 2 o'clock by one of my Mexicans 
knocking at my door who wanted me to get up and ex- 
amine a piece of ore they had found. He said that my 
head miner wanted me to send over four bottles of 
whisky, and come over myself if possible. I sent the 
whisky, then laid down my specimen on the table, and 
going over to the next house, called up some of my 
American friends, and we immediately started for my 
mine. 

We found that they had broken into a very large 
' ' pocket ' ' that was exceedingly rich. They had taken 
out oyer a ton of ore that was better than any I had 
seen in the country, and my friends congratulated me 
on my good fortune, pronouncing me a rich man. In 
the morning I requested Mr. Glenning to put somebody 
else in my place as I had business of my own to attend to. 



202 SELL OUT THE MINE. 

The metal was a mixture of lead and silver ore, 
which would dissolve by a simple process, and be re- 
fined in the furnace with half the labor usually 
required. When the " pocket" was exhausted, as it 
was after a few days of labor, there was nothing left 
but a continuation of the old six inch vein. After re- 
fining my whole stock of ore it netted me the hand- 
some sum of thirty thousand dollars above all ex- 
penses, including a bonus of six hundred dollars which 
I presented to the head miner for his words of en- 
couragement at a dark time. 

The rocky ledge proving very hard to work, as soon 
as the pocket was finished I made up my mind to sell 
out before I lost my thirty thousand dollars in blasting 
worthless stone. The English company had tried to buy 
me out, as my ledge ran in the direction of the old Spanish 
mine of Yalenciana, and they thought it would strike 
that mine and prove a fortune — the Yalenciana mine 
had been ruined in consequence of the miners tapping 
water which had flooded the mine, k 

One afternoon I was sitting near my mine, when I was 
approached by Mr. G-lenning, who wished to have me 
fix a price for my claim. After some little parley he 
offered me fifteen thousand dollars for the mine, and, 
said I, " It' s your mine. ' ' I then went with him to the 
first judge of the mining district and made the English 
company a transfer in writing of the mine, the ore taken 
out which I had not used, and all the tools. The com- 
pany paid the Mexican tax of five per cent, on the pur- 
chase money, and I gave them possession immediately 
on receipt of the fifteen thousand dollars. The com- 
pany went to work at once on the mine, spending a large 
amount of money on it, but never realized one-half of 
what they paid me for it. 



LOSSES BY MINING. 203 

I now had forty-eight thousand dollars, including 
what I had laid up from my work, after making hand- 
some presents to each of my miners, for they had 
worked faithfully for me, and was out of debt. Making 
so much, and so easily, out of mining, set me half- 
crazy upon the subject. Getting a compass, I went into 
the mouth of the English company' s mine at Luce, and 
taking the direction of the lead, and also observing the 
direction of the air-shafts which tapped the mine, and 
also being positive that a mine hardly ever varies from 
its regular course as once ascertained, I went out half a 
mile beyond the company's limits and commenced 
sinking a shaft, intending to strike their ledge beyond 
their claim. In this enterprise I had a partner named 
William Smith. As we went down we found quartz, 
but it was poor and as hard as a flint. Drilling and 
other labor was very expensive, and we now, almost in 
sight of the coveted prize, found that our money was 
out and we were helpless. I was anxious to go to Mex- 
ico and try to raise more funds and push on, but my 
partner' s courage failed, and he was anxious to aban- 
don the enterprise. 

The English company, knowing that we were bound 
to strike their ledge, if we continued operations, came 
and offered us eight thousand dollars to discharge our 
men and cease work, and we sold out to them. 

That was quite enough mining for me in that locality. 
The English company went to work forthwith, and at a 
depth of five yards further than where my men left off, 
they struck ore worth two thousand dollars a ton. They 
have since taken out ore to the value of several millions 
of dollars, at that point the mine proving as rich as the 
original, a mile and a half distant. The mine is owned 
by English lords, who have gained control over a large 
14 



204 EXTENSIVE MINES. 

section of that country. They mine in half a dozen dif- 
ferent states, keeping at their head-qnarters in Guan- 
axuato a working capital of four millions of dollars. If 
they lose a hundred thousand dollars in one place they 
soon make it up in another. They also carry on exten- 
sive commercial transactions, and have their own ships 
on the sea. They have large mining works at Zacatecas, 
owning two important mines there. Within thirty -five 
miles of Zacatecas they own a mine called the Fresnillo ; 
one in the state of Durango, called Sombrerete, which 
yields immense profits, also several other smaller mines 
in that vicinity. 

At Guadaloupe-y-Calvo they have another mine, and 
between Saltillo and San Louis Potosi, they work sev- 
eral mines, which, together, take the name of Rial la 
l/ Catosa, meaning mining district. There the ore has 
been taken out leaving pillars of rock bearing metal 
twelve or fifteen yards in circumference to sustain the 
roof against the enormous pressure of the mountain 
overhead. 

Trains drive under the mountain or into it, nearly 
three hundred yards to load up with ore. At Rial del 
Monta, a little off the road from Guanaxuato to Mexico, 
is another mine owned by this company, at which the 
silver is extracted by a blast furnace. 



CHAPTEE XIII. 

THE great California gold fever had about this time 
(1849) broke out among the Mexicans. It was 
raging all around me and I became infected with the 
disease ! I gathered together my effects and started 
for California. Thieves being numerous and danger- 
ous, I put on my rough clothes, stitched my eight 
thousand dollars into a Mexican pack-saddle, and took 
the route up through Durango, by way of Zacatecas, 
passing through the state and town of Aguas Calientes, 
the most beautiful section in Mexico. The name means 
"hot waters," and is derived from a famous spring, 
coming out of the side of the mountain, which is sul- 
phurous and hot enough to cook an egg or scald a 
chicken. By its side, only ten steps distant, is a spring 
so pure and so cold as to make the teeth chatter while 
drinking. The water from the springs is carried down 
into the city by parallel pipes, which run along the 
eaves of the houses, and furnish every house with hot 
and cold water. The pressure is sufficient to throw 
the water into the air, to descend in showers of drops 
like rain, as it is frequently seen to do on the streets, 
and in yards and gardens. In the Public Square is a 
large pool of cold water with a fountain always play- 
ing into it. There are public bath-houses, where for a 
nominal sum a man can enjoy the benefit of hot and 
cold water, and temper the bath to suit himself. This 
city has about fifteen thousand inhabitants, and is sur- 
rounded with orchards and handsome farms, and the 



206 MAYOS AND YAGUIS. 

city itself is very well built. After leaving Aguas 
Calientes, I went to Zacatecas, where I found the 
cholera was making deadly havoc among the natives. 
This was in the early part of 1850. 

Thence I proceeded to the city of Durango, where 
I bought a set of cooking utensils and some other nec- 
essary supplies, put them on my pack mule, and set 
out on the old king' s road for the port of Mazatlan, in 
the adjoining State of Cinaloa. The last three days of 
the journey was over a very crooked road, often 
nearly as steep as a flight of stairs, from the heights 
of the Sierra Madre range westward almost to the sea, 
through heavy forests of pine, &c, where there were 
no inhabitants. This road, so miserably poor, is the 
only highway from Mazatlan to Durango ; and all the 
goods shipped from the former port to the interior 
must go over this road on pack mules as far as Duran- 
go, from which point they are often distributed in 
wagons. 

From Mazatlan I started up the country for Culiacan, 
where I made the acquaintance of Don Francisco Vega, 
the governor of the State. I asked him, previous to 
starting further north, if it was dangerous to go up 
into Sonora, through the Indian tribes of Mayos and 
Yaguis, called from the rivers of those names. He 
said they were rather unfriendly to strangers, but he 
would give me a letter to the chief of the Yaguis, who 
commanded both tribes. The two rivers where I was 
to travel were about twenty miles apart, and running 
nearly parallel, t It was on the head waters of this 
river Yagui, in among the mountains on the boundary 
between Chihuahua and Sonora that we had that fa- 
mous fight several years before with the Apaches, when 
we destroyed one of their villages. To the wonder- 



A CHOLERA INCIDENT. 207 

fully rich country in the vicinity of that beautiful 
lake I have spoken of in a former chapter, it is possible 
that Brigham Young may move the Mormons, if they 
should find Utah too civilized for them and be com- 
pelled to leave for some more favored region. 

While I was at Culiacan, a peculiar incident of the 
cholera occurred. The people were dying so rapidly 
that there was no time for digging graves. Trenches 
were dug, the dead were carried to them in wagons and 
carts, thrown in and covered with quicklime. One 
driver took a load of bodies out of town, and among 
them was an old acquaintance of his, whom he tum- 
bled into the trench with the rest, and threw on his 
lime. While he had gone back to town for more 
bodies, this acquaintance, who was in a stupor, recov- 
ered consciousness and started on his way back to 
town. When the driver, who had now filled his cart 
and was on his way to the trench, arrived within about 
a hundred yards of his destination, he came suddenly 
upon his ghostly friend, — his supposed dead acquain- 
tance, — and he was so badly frightened that he 
jumped from his cart, left it in the road, ran back to 
town in all haste, took the cholera himself and died 
the next day. I have often since that time seen "Old 
Jim," the supposed corpse, peddling candy in *the 
streets of Culiacan. 

From Culiacan I went on up to the town of Cinaloa, 
on the Cinaloa river. Thence to Villa del Fuerte, on 
the Fuerte river ; a very swift stream, which, running 
from -the mountains to the Gulf of California, is 
throughout its entire length the boundary between the 
States of Cinaloa and Sonora. At the mouth of the 
Fuerte river, which is navigable some distance for 
boats, is the port of Omaha, where goods are landed 



208 STRANGE FOOD. 

for the back country. I crossed this river in a canoe, 
swimming my mules, though the river was not high. 
Thence I went to Alamos, which is on a branch of the 
Mayo river, about twenty miles from the main river. 
This is one of the richest mining regions in the State 
of Sonora. The mines were chiefly owned by four 
brothers, who were immensely wealthy. They took 
sides, strangely, in favor of Maximilian and what were 
called the Mexican Imperial laws, and when the empire 
afterwards went down, I learned that they were shot, 
and their property confiscated. Shortly after I was 
there, a great waterspout carried away half the town, 
filling up and ruining all the mines that were opened, 
and causing a landslide which exposed new and very 
rich mines. 

From there I went to Rio Mayo, in the Mayo nation. 
The Indians of that tribe all talk Spanish. I inquired 
for their chief, when they answered that he lived about 
twelve miles distant, on the Yagui river, and asked if 
I knew him. I told them I did not, but had a letter 
for him, and had some business to transact with him. 
They took my horse and pack mule and fed them, 
treating me very kindly ; and finding that I was hun- 
gry, they cooked me some supper. After I had 
finished, they asked me if I knew what I had been 
eating, and I replied that I took it to be fish. They 
said it was blacksnake ! It was too late then to make 
a fuss about it, and really I thought it the sweetest, 
nicest kind of food, for it was very white, and in taste 
resembled catfish. They had plenty of that kind of 
provisions, for blacksnakes of enormous size were 
plenty among them, and it appeared to be their favor- 
ite dish. They gave me a comfortable hut to sleep in 
that night, and the next morning one of the Indians 



CHOLEEA PATIENTS. 209 

escorted me over to Mateo, the chief. I found him at 
a nice little Indian town, on the banks of the river, in a 
splendid country. He could talk Spanish, but could 
neither read or write. He sent for a better educated 
Indian who could read the letter, and who told him it 
was from the governor of Cinaloa. I was then treated 
like a gentleman, for they brought me watermelons 
and other fruits ; and during the repast, the old chief 
asked me if I knew any thing about medicine. Several 
of his tribe living near by were down with the cholera. 
An American doctor in Culiacan, a worthy physician, 
had given me some medicine, and I had bought some 
more for poor people on the road, so that I had a good 
supply. I told the chief I would do what I could for 
his sick people, and calling for a lot of mustard, the 
natives soon gathered a quantity of green mustard 
seed on the river bank. It was pounded fine, and 
mustard plasters put on the stomachs of the patients, 
some mustard tea given them, and mustard baths or- 
dered for their feet. This treatment perhaps saved the 
lives of a number ; at all events, those who followed 
my directions recovered, and their friends could not do 
enough for me. I staid there two weeks, and was 
never better treated in my life. They had large flocks 
of sheep, and an abundance of fish in the river. 
When I left, the chief gave me a horse, and sent an 
escort with me to Guaymas. The Yagui is navigable 
sixty miles from its mouth, and for that distance is 
never frozen over. From its head waters the Indians 
bring .down much gold, though they v dare not venture 
far into the mountains for fear of the Apaches. 

From this Indian village I went to Guaymas, about 
seventy -five miles distant. I offered to pay my Indian 
escort of four men, but they replied that their tribe 



210 POISONING AKROWS. 

was under obligations to me, that they had only done 
me a slight favor, and as their chief had not author- 
ized them to receive pay they could not do so. Guay- 
mas has a beautiful harbor, so protected by high hills 
as to be perfectly safe, and is deep enough anywhere 
for a man-of-war to anchor, as the shallowest place has 
about eight fathoms water. Back of the city is a 
mountain which breaks off the north wind. About 
twenty -five miles distant is a valuable guano island, 
from which large amounts of guano are shipped to 
England. 

About seventy -five miles further north I arrived at 
Hermosillo. In that vicinity I got acquainted with a 
tribe of Indians I had never seen or heard of before, 
called the Ceres. They were formerly very hostile to- 
ward the Mexicans, and were a lazy, dirty race, living 
principally on the coast, and feeding mainly on sea 
lions, porpoises, sharks, and different kinds of fish. 
When they were at war with the Mexicans, they used 
poisoned arrows, so virulent that whenever one of them 
broke the skin it was certain death. Their mode of 
poisoning their arrows was to get a liver of a shark or 
some animal, and let a rattlesnake bite it several times ; 
then leaving it in the sun till it became perfectly green, 
they would stick the points of their arrows into it, 
soaking them in the deadly poison till they were 
thoroughly infected. Hermosillo is the principal town 
of the State of Sonora. It contains thirty -five thou- 
sand inhabitants, is situated on a small river in the 
midst of a fine cotton region ; it has a large steam and 
other flouring mills, and does more business than any 
other town in Sonora. It is situated about seventy-five 
miles from the coast, and has a beautiful temperate 
climate. It is a great wheat producing region, with 



CATTLE SPECULATION. 211 

abundance of fertile soil, and its markets abound with 
apples, peaches, pears, grapes, oranges, and other 
fruits, all grown in the vicinity. A survey has been 
made for a branch railroad from this place to connect 
with the Southern Pacific railroad. 
v At Hermosillo I met several Americans from Califor- 
nia, among them Captain Ankrim, David Brown, and 
Thomas Smith. They said cattle were very high in 
California, and they had come into Sonora to buy 
some. As they could not speak Spanish, they hired 
me to interpret for them. As they represented that 
money could be made on cattle, and were very anxious 
to have me go on with them, I bought four hundred 
and fifty head, and putting them with those of my 
friends, we started with our drove of twenty-five hun- 
dred cattle for California. We had purchased good 
beef cattle at an average price of ten dollars per head. 

At a town called Altar, near the northern boundary 
line of Sonora, we engaged twenty vaqueros, or Mexi- 
can herdsmen, and bought jerked beef, and bread, and 
pinola (which is ground parched corn) to eat on the 
way when cooking would be inconvenient. We also 
purchased a lot of jackasses to use in place of pack 
mules ; eight of which I required for my use, and for 
my men. A number of Mexican men, women, and 
children, who were poor people going to California, 
joined our company for their own protection. We 
had for a guide, a Mexican who had come over the 
road from California to Hermosillo with the three other 
owners of the stock. 

A part of our route lay through a sandy country, 
destitute of rivers or springs. On the route is a great 
rock, with a cavity which is so large that in the rainy 
season it fills up, and supplies water for travelers the 



212 TRACKING THIEVES. 

year round. It was a hundred and sixty or a hundred 
and seventy miles from Altar, and eight miles from our 
last watering place. We could drink at the rock our- 
selves, and bring water enough for our mules, horses, 
and jacks ; but our cattle had to go dry, and before 
us was a stretch of sixty miles of sandy desert without 
a drop of water that we knew of, or a blade of grass. 
The desert was also subject to sand storms, which blew 
the fine sand up in clouds like a fog, and swept it over 
the road, obliterating all tracks, and making traveling 
by compass necessary. We had no fears for our jacks, 
for they can forage for a living. A bundle of rags, or 
a deck of cards is a fine lunch for one of them. The 
morning after leaving the watering place, there was 
great complaint on account of the scarcity of hats. 
The jacks had been around and eaten up ten of the 
Mexicans broad-brimmed straw hats, besides a lot 
of our bread and pinola. 

While the Mexicans were lamenting the loss of their 
hats, I discovered a greater loss. I missed two of my 
jacks, and while trying to track them, I saw the moc- 
casin tracks of two Indians. Taking a Mexican along 
with me, we rode about four miles, tracking the Indians 
easily, and then on seeing a smoke among the hills, we 
dismounted, and creeping around, saw one of the 
Apaches roasting a steak which he had cut from one of 
my jacks, which he had killed. The other Indian had 
started for a stream of water close by. I told the Mexi- 
can to attend to this one, while I crawled up near the In- 
dian by the fire and shot him in the back. He fell for- 
ward on his face into the fire, with his jackass meat. 
The other one escaped from the Mexican, but we secur- 
ed the stolen jack that remained, and returned to 
camp, glad indeed to find water for our stock. On re- 



AN OUTRAGEOUS FERRY COMPANY. 213 

flection, I felt sorry that I had shot the Indian, as his 
theft had led me to discover water sufficient to save 
many of our animals, who were suffering. We sent 
back and picked up fifty or sixty cattle that had given 
out by. the way, got them up and they joined the herd, 
when they were all safely driven to the stream of water. 
We remained there two days resting and recruiting the 
stock, and then started for Fort Yuma, on the Colorado 
river. We arrived there the second day after leaving 
the stream that saved our stock. 

Upon arriving at the Colorado river, we found that 
the Indians had improvised a ferry boat, by making a 
government wagon body water tight, and we crossed 
in this boat, six miles below the fort, swimming our 
animals over. There had been a regular ferry a mile 
or so below the fort, but it had been destroyed, and its 
owners, twenty -five in number, slaughtered by the 
Indians, except two persons who escaped. The men 
killed were Texan desperadoes, and their massacre was 
the best thing the Indians ever did. These despe- 
radoes, under Dr. Craig, left Texas in 1849, and cross- 
ing over to Chihuahua, obtained leave of the governor 
of that state to fight the Indians for all they could 
take from them. The governor also furnished them 
with arms, ammunition, and money. Just before 
leaving Sonora, they assassinated some Mexicans, rob- 
bed them of their money, took as much of their stock 
as they needed, went on to Fort Yuma and established 
a ferry. Here they carried matters with a high hand. 
It was not safe for a Mexican woman to cross the ferry, 
and after a time they extended their outrages to the 
neighboring tribe of Indians, taking the women pris- 
oners and keeping them in camp as long as they 
pleased. The attack which wiped out this miserable 



214 RETRIBUTION. 

band was planned by two young Mexicans, who had 
attempted to cross the ferry with their wives, and had 
them taken from them and detained by the Texans. 
The Mexicans went down the river, and the desper- 
adoes supposed they had gone on their way and left 
their wives in their hands. But they only went far 
enough to find the chief of the tribe, who had suffered 
so horribly at the hands of the gang, and arrange for 
an attack on their common enemy. The attack was 
made as follows : One day a number of the Indians, 
who were not a hunting tribe to any great extent, but 
lived by fishing and raising some vegetables, went into 
camp as usual, and mixed freely with the whites, who 
were in the habit of trading with them. There was a 
large body of Indians, together with the two Mexicans, 
concealed under the high bank of the river, who, on a 
given signal from those in camp, rushed in and with 
clubs and knives soon killed twenty -three out of the 
twenty-five whites, including Dr. Craig, with very little 
loss to themselves. This was about a month before we 
arrived, and two or three days before the arrival of 
Captain Hooper at Fort Yuma, with a company of 
United States dragoons. No effort was ever made to 
punish the Indians for this uprising against their law- 
less miserable persecutors. A few days after Captain 
Hooper's arrival, the two escaped desperadoes came to 
him with a complaint against the Indians for the mas- 
sacre of their companions. Captain Hooper being 
well posted as to their doings, clapped the two men 
into irons and sent them to California for trial. < 

We gave the Indians two beeves for helping ourselves 
and cattle across the river ; and we laid there six days 
to recruit our cattle, for we found good grass in the 
bottoms of the Rio Colorado. While here encamped, 



HATS SUPPLIED. 



215 



I took the unfortunate hatless Mexicans to the sutler' s 
store at the fort and furnished them with hats, as they 
had traveled all this distance in the burning sun with 
handkerchiefs tied over their heads. 




CHAPTER XIY. 

AT Fort Yuma I met a very large Irish woman called 
" The Great Western," whom I had seen at Sal- 
tillo, when I went there with Colonel Doniphan. She 
was noted as a camp follower in the Mexican war, was 
liked universally for her kind motherly ways, and at 
the battle of Buena Vista busied herself in making 
cartridges for the army. I made myself known to her, 
and she was very glad to see me. She complained that 
Fort Yuma was the hardest place to procure any fresh 
supplies that she had ever seen, and begged me to sell 
her a beef. I sent her one as a present. She died at 
Fort Yuma in 1863. 

One day while we were in camp, we saw a number of 
Indians running up the river bank towards us, mani- 
festly in a great fright. When they got near enough to 
talk, they told us the devil was coming up the river, 
blowing fire and smoke out of his nose and kicking 
back with his feet in the water, and they would all be 
eaten up. They asked us what they had better do, and 
as we had not learned how to escape that individual 
ourselves, we could not tell them, and they hurried on 
to report to Captain Hooper and take his advice, which 
they wished given hastily, as the devil was coming very 
fast. By this time the Indians were abandoning their 
fields and hastening to the fort from every direction. 
Captain Hooper did not know what they were trying to 
describe, but he knew that a steamboat had been or- 
dered to come up the river from the gulf with his sup- 



PERILS OF THE DESERT. 217 

plies, and going up on a Mil with a spy-glass he saw 
the smoke above the trees beyond a bend in the river. 
He came down and explained matters to the Indians ; 
but it was a long time before he could get them to ven- 
ture near enough to look at the boat when she landed. 
Then the men went after their squaws, hidden in the 
brush, and prevailed on them to come and view the 
steamer. She was named the Yuma, after their tribe, 
and this was the first steamer that ever run in those 
waters. Now three or four boats are running up that 
river and the Indians supply them with many products 
of their labor. They often laugh over their steamboat 
fright, and the chief especially enjoys the joke and 
says the white men know much more than the Indians. 
From Fort Yuma we started again, going by way of 
New River and having to pass through a desert of sand 
sixty miles across, with water only at one place, and 
that a small pool hardly fit to drink. In passing 
through this desert we came upon the remains of an 
emigrant train, which a month previous had attempted 
to cross this desert in going from the United States to 
California. While passing over the desert they had 
been met by a sand-storm and lost the road by the sand 
blowing over it, and had wandered off into the hills. 
They had finally got back into the road ; but by that 
time they were worn out, and they perished of fatigue 
and thirst. In their wanderings off the road they had 
gone to one side and past the little pool of water, as 
we could see by the wagons they had abandoned. The 
missing of the water was fatal to them, as they had 
been two or three days without water, and had yet 
thirty miles to go before reaching a fertile region. We 
could see where they had lightened their loads by 
abandoning goods, but still their cattle had been obliged 



218 MURDEE OF A MEXICAN. 

to yield to the terrible thirst. There were eight women 
and children, and nine men. The body of a child had 
been almost stripped of flesh by the bnzzards and ani- 
mals, and its clothes were torn off; but most of the 
other bodies had their clothes on. Some of the bodies 
were in the road and others at a little distance, as if 
they had been returning to the road and they had all 
sunk down together exhausted, and lay there in the 
same position as when they fell. 

/A. squad of soldiers from Fort Yuma overtook us 
at the pool, on their way to bury these unfortunate peo- 
ple, and we left them at their work, for we had to 
hasten onward as our cattle were now suffering badly. 
The soldiers said they should take the property of these 
emigrants back to the fort, and institute proper in- 
quiries to ascertain who were their relatives and friends 
at the east ; with what success I never learned. 

We traveled that day and night, and the next fore- 
noon arrived at a small lake at the head of New River. 
The next morning a difficulty arose between Dave 
Brown, who was one of our stock owners, and one of 
the Mexicans. The result was that Dave shot and 
killed the Mexican. We buried the poor man, and 
blamed Mr. Brown very much, for he had no justifiable 
provocation for the deed. The Mexican herdsmen felt 
quite aggrieved by the affair, and asked me what could 
be done ; but I persuaded them to wait till we arrived 
in California before making any trouble about it. The 
next water was twelve miles from this lake. Before 
reaching it we met a Mexican who warned us to be sure 
to keep our stock out of that water, or we would lose 
them all, as the water was very poisonous. A weed 
grows in the edges, and any animal eating it dies. The 
poison mainly comes from mineral matter, for there are 



DIVISION OF STOCK. 219 

green, filthy springs dripping into it, probably charged 
with copperas. Along the edges of this creek were 
hundreds of skeletons of sheep which had perished out 
of a large drove that were passing over this route some 
time before, bound for California. A little above the 
creek, to the right of the road, we found a spring of 
good water, of which we drank and gave to our riding 
and pack animals ; but there was none for our cattle. 
Twelve miles further on we came to a valley with many 
springs and fine grass for our cattle. We found an 
American there putting up a station. We also found 
there a dirty lot of Indians called Diggers, who sleep 
in the dirt like hogs, and live on rabbits, rats, lizards, 
toads, snakes, and any other animal food they can get, 
besides eating a black, bitter kind of acorns. This was 
not far from Vallecito. 

Four days after, we arrived in San Diego county, 
eighteen miles from the port of San Diego, where we 
staid a month recruiting our stock ; and in the mean- 
time I went down to the port to purchase supplies. 
After recruiting our stock we went one hundred and sev- 
enty miles up the coast to El Monte, which was in Los 
Angeles county. The buildings of this place looked 
very ancient, and the inhabitants were ignorant and 
vicious, caring for neither law or gospel. At El 
Monte I separated my stock from that of Messrs. 
Brown, Smith, and Ankrim. This Dave Brown, being 
a regular desperado, went eight miles to Los Angeles, 
gambled off all his stock, got into a dispute with a 
Mexican over a game of cards, and shot him. He was 
put into jail by the Americans, partly through fear of 
his being assassinated. In the night a large body of 
Mexicans gathered, took Brown from the jail, and 
hung him to the top of the gateway of the prison yard. 
15 



220 GABE ALLEN AND PEG-LEG SMITH. 

There were in Los Angeles about an equal number of 
Americans and Mexicans. Lynch law was prevalent 
over California at that time, 1851, and the Americans 
made no objection to the hanging of Brown, because 
they knew it was just. 

Meeting with an acquaintance at El Monte, I hired 
him to superintend the driving of my stock to San Jose, 
which town is a few miles from the bay of San Fran- 
cisco, and about fifty miles south-east of the city of 
San Francisco. The drive was over three hundred 
miles, and I instructed him to drive slowly to keep the 
stock in order. Los Angeles is situated on a small 
river of the same name, thirty miles from its mouth, 
and was connected with its port of San Pedro by stages 
and wagons. It is now connected by railroad with its 
present port of Wilmington, and Los Angeles has 
grown to be quite a city. 
y After seeing my stock off, I went to a hotel in Los 
Angeles and there, to my surprise, met Peg-leg Smith, 
and Gabe Allen. After the first friendly greeting, and 
they had made many inquiries, I informed them I was 
going to San Francisco by steamer. Said Peg-leg 
Smith to me, " Captain, will you take me along with 
you ?" I assented, and we got into a stage and went to 
San Pedro, where we went aboard the steamer Sea-Bird 
bound for San Francisco. When the clerk came around 
gathering up tickets, Smith was sitting with his head 
down, half drunk. Looking up, the clerk recognized 
him, and said : 

" Your ticket, Mr. Smith." 

" Hold on," responded Smith, "and I'll give you a 
ticket," commencing to unbuckle his wooden leg for a 
fight. 

I stepped up and told the clerk that I would settle 



SAN FRANCISCO. 221 

for his passage. Just then the captain came along and 
inquired what was the difficulty. I said, ' ' None at all. 
Mr. Smith has no money and I was about to pay his 
passage." 

" Never mind," said the captain. " He shall go 
free. I never charge one-legged men anything." 

"Captain," said Smith, "that's good enough, let's 
take a drink on that at your expense," which joke 
pleased the captain exceedingly. 

On the fourth day we arrived at San Francisco, and 
went to a good hotel ; but it was nothing like the mag- 
nificent hotels that have since been erected there. 
Everything was in its infancy in 1851. A lot of govern- 
ment troops had just arrived there, and more were ex- 
pected. Meeting with a government contractor at the 
hotel I asked him what he was paying for cattle on the 
foot, grass fed, and he answered a "bit" or twelve 
and a half cents a pound. I sold him all my cattle (to 
arrive) at that price, and when the cattle got along a 
month afterwards I found, after delivering them and 
getting my pay, that I had sixteen thousand dollars. I 
did not know what to do with my money after receiv- 
ing it. I considered my life more in danger than with 
the Indians on the plains, for the city abounded with 
cut-throats and desperadoes. I deposited the sixteen 
thousand dollars in Adams & Co.'s bank, for that com- 
pany was banking as well as expressing at that time. 

Shortly after I drew out enough to pay off my help 
who had come through with my cattle, and they pro- 
posed to start on an expedition with me to the moun- 
tains to dig gold. I finally organized a party of 
eighteen persons, fitted up a pack mule train with pans, 
picks, shovels, and all the necessary outfit for gold- 
digging, and started for reported rich placer diggings 



222 BLACKMAILEES. 

at Camp Sonora, one hundred and fifty miles south- 
east of San Francisco. We put up our tents and 
commenced prospecting around in the gulches. In the 
vicinity were many Chinamen, Americans, Spaniards, 
Frenchmen, and Mexicans. Some of our party told 
me they had found a gulch near by which paid eight 
or ten cents to the pan, and upon examination I found 
it to be so. We immediately moved our tents up there, 
and went to work taking out about six thousand dol- 
lars the first eight days. 

My party being all Mexicans, a little incident now 
occurred which raised me very materially in their esti- 
mation. Suddenly two Americans rode up to our 
camp, and one of them, who could speak a little Spanish, 
stated that he had orders from the government to collect 
a tax of twenty dollars from every Mexican and China- 
man found at work mining. I asked him in Spanish 
where his documents were that gave him this authority. 
He said Ms word was sufficient. I drew up my double- 
barrelled gun, and said : "Now, you leave here, or I'll 
give you documents. I' ve heard of your kind before. ' ' 
They rode away, threatening to come back and collect 
the tax. 

I told the Mexicans to keep their arms handy by 
them, and do just as I bade them. Then I went to a 
mining justice of the peace, not far off, and asked him 
if there were any persons about there with authority to 
collect such a tax. He said there were not, but he had 
heard of those men and would like to get hold of them. 
Said I, they are out here behind your house drinking 
in a grocery. He said he would like to arrest them if 
he could get anybody to sustain him. I replied that I had 
eighteen Mexicans, and that I would sustain him. Then, 
going down to my Mexicans, who were afraid of their 



SUMMARY EXECUTION. 223 

lives, I said to them : " You have put yourselves under 
my charge, and I will see you safe through everything. " 

There were nine Americans just below who joined 
us. We went up to the grocery, and, as we came near, 
saw the justice, who waved his hand for us to go 
around the house. We surrounded it, when one of the 
men ran out of the house, pistol in hand, and was in- 
stantly shot and killed. The other gave himself up, 
telling us that his name was Jack Downing. We put 
a rope around his neck and hung him to the limb of a 
tree that stood by the grocery. Before being swung 
off he was asked if he had anything to say, and his 
only reply was curses. 

It was afterwards ascertained that he and his com- 
panion had a few days before murdered two Chinamen 
and a Mexican. The two men had four thousand dol- 
lars, which they had collected and robbed from 
ignorant miners. This money was deposited with the 
justice of the peace to pay the expenses of a mining 
government, which we at once set about organizing for 
our mutual benefit and protection. 

Our little village of mining huts was a common even- 
ing resort for many persons who worked mining for 
some distance around. The news spread like wild-fire 
that we had hung one and shot the other of these noted 
blackmailers, and the second night after the hanging, 
about three hundred men were assembled. We organ- 
ized a mining government, with proper oflicers and 
committees, adopting a constitution and by-laws, one 
of the by-laws providing that no man should stay about 
the camp who had not some business. I was one of a 
committee of four to see that these rules were enforced, 
and the following day we notified several gamblers and 
suspected thieves and robbers to leave, or stay and suf- 



224 MINING GOVERNMENT. 

fer the consequences. They left in a hurry. There- 
after the regular meetings of our miners' association 
were on Saturday nights, and our number soon 
swelled to between four and five hundred. Our asso- 
ciation was also benevolent, and aided any miner who 
was sick, by taking care of him, cooking for him, 
or in contributions of money. Several desperate char- 
acters came in from time to time ; but learning our 
laws, and seeing the tree which served for a gallows, it 
looked disagreeable to them and they left. Following 
our example, similar societies were organized in other 
parts of California, as we could get no protection from 
the United States, its few troops being too distant and 
inaccessible at the instant wanted in miners' camps. 

I worked there three months with the Mexicans, and 
when we divided the proceeds, we found that we had 
each made about three thousand one hundred dollars. 
From the mines we all went to San Francisco, and there 
I found in port a vessel named the Matilda, belonging 
to the English consul at Guaymas, bound for that port, 
and nearly ready to sail. As the Mexicans were anxi- 
ous to return home, I saw them safe aboard, and got 
their money deposited with the captain, who gave it to 
them on their arrival at Guaymas ; for I met several of 
them afterwards and they were highly pleased with the 
result of their California trip. 

The day after my companions sailed I saw a good 
chance to speculate in sheep in San Francisco. Draw- 
ing my funds from Adams & Co.'s bank, I went to 
close the trade, which, unfortunately, was broken up 
by a third party offering more than I had done ; and as 
I was returning to the bank to make a second deposit, 
I learned that the bank had just failed. Lucky for me 
thought I ! Though I had over three thousand dollars 



VISIT TO RELATIVES. 225 

deposited in the safe of the National Hotel, I was in 
no mood to lose the greater portion of my hard earn- 
ings. 

v\ next went to see the famons quicksilver mine of 
New Almaden, twelve miles south of San Jose and the 
Soda Spring, which is a curiosity that attracts many 
visitors. The water boils up precisely like soda, and is 
taken in bottles to San Jose for drinking. The day I 
returned to San Jose water was struck in an Artesian 
well four hundred and fifty feet deep, and ten inches 
in diameter. The water came up with such force that 
if a man laid a board over the mouth and stood on it 
he would be raised up a foot. Four blind fish two or 
three inches long, were thrown out, but died immedi- 
ately. At first, a great deal of sand came up, but the 
water soon cleared, and San Jose is now supplied with 
water from this well. Other Artesian wells were opened 
about this time, and a month later the waters of a certain 
lake, six miles long and four miles across, and fifteen 
or twenty feet in-depth, began to dry up. The lake 
was situated thirty-five miles from San Jose, and in six 
weeks had become perfectly dry, leaving a quantity of 
dead fish in the bottom. In the bed of the lake was 
seen a huge rupture or crack that might have been pro- 
duced by an earthquake at some prior period. There 
is now a good farm, highly cultivated, where the lake 
was. 

In the hotel at San Jose, I overheard an old gentle- 
man in conversation with another, speak of my father' s 
family, and, being introduced, I found that he was 
Judge Murray from Missouri, and knew all my rela- 
tives. He informed me that I had a sister and a half- 
sister living in Napa Valley, in Napa county, Califor- 
nia, This was great news for me, and I started forth- 



226 A HUNTING EXPEDITION. 

with to make them a visit, arriving at my sister's house 
the second day, and she sent for my half sister, who 
was married and lived about half a mile distant. It 
was a long time before they could believe that I was 
their brother ; but I told them circumstances which 
satisfied them, and they were overjoyed at seeing one 
they had long considered lost. I also met many per- 
sons in this valley who were my schoolmates in Mis- 
souri, — among the rest, three sons of Ex-Governor 
Boggs, who had settled in the valley with their father, 
each owning separate ranches and keeping large herds 
of cattle. 

After stopping in that neighborhood a month or so, 
having a good time among my friends, we made up a 
hunting expedition, the party consisting of Governor 
Boggs' s sons, and two schoolmates of mine who were 
expert hunters. We started for Russian river, mount- 
ed on pack mules, with tents, cooking utensils, and 
plenty of ammunition. We were very successful, 
killing a great many elks, bears, deer, geese, ducks, 
and other kinds of game. There was a new settler on 
Russian river, by the name of John Cook, who came 
from Missouri, whose farm was devoted mainly to the 
raising of potatoes ; and we made his place our head- 
quarters, going out from there in various directions. 
He told us one day that the bears were digging up his 
potatoes, and he was going to set a large trap which 
he had, to catch the thief. We went with him to see 
the tracks, and found where the fence was broken 
down ; but the tracks I told him were not those of a 
bear. However, we set the trap by the fence, and left 
it covered up, and returned to the house. I was busy 
preparing venison hams that evening, for my sisters 
and for Governor Boggs, as I was meat curer for the 



TEAPPING A THIEF. 227 

party. While laughing and chatting about our hunt- 
ing adventures, and who had killed game and who had 
not, we heard a tremendous halloing in the potatoe 
patch. We ran out to our trap and found in it a 
Digger Indian ! His leg was ruined in his attempts to 
escape. The trap was the heaviest kind of steel trap, 
nearly a yard across, with long, sharp teeth, and 
strong enough to hold a grizzly bear. I had to open 
it with care, for I saw that the fellow' s leg was broken ; 
and it afterwards had to-be amputated at the knee. 
This Indian had been in the habit of stealing a bagfull 
of potatoes occasionally, but Mr. Cook was not troub- 
led any further with him. 

We hunted there several weeks, curing four or five 
pack loads of venison and elk, besides some bear 
bacon. The second day after we started for home, we 
stopped at noon near a lake, where I saw some ducks, 
and telling the others to take off the pack saddles, I 
started off with my double barrel gun to get some 
fresh ducks to roast for dinner. * I went into rushes 
bordering the lake that were as high as my head, hav- 
ing both barrels of my gun cocked, intending to shoot 
one before the ducks rose out of the water and then 
discharge the other barrel as they rose. I was in a sort 
of trail and looking over the tops of the rushes at the 
birds, when suddenly I saw standing right before me, 
and not five steps distant, a huge grizzly bear ! As he 
raised up in front of me on his hind legs, I was so 
frightened that I let him have both charges of duck 
shot in his face, and turning, I ran back as fast as pos- 
sible to camp. When I got there, the boys seeing me 
scared, asked where my ducks were, and I replied 
that there was the biggest kind of a duck down near 
the water. The bear was tearing about, biting at the 



(/ 



228 SAD FATE OF Oj^E OF OUR PARTY. 

rushes, and making considerable noise. After ex- 
changing my shot gun for a rifle, I went back with the 
boys to look after him, and when we got near enough 
we gave him a regular broadside, which killed him. 
He was unusually large, and all that saved me was the 
double charge of duck shot, which accidentally put 
out both his eyes. After skinning our bear, and taking 
what meat we could carry handily, we started on. 

Between sundown and dark we halted, and camped 
in the edge of some brushy scrub oak on a hillside. 
While we were at supper, Theodore Boggs's horse 
broke the bush to which he was tied, and he took him 
up the hill a short distance to secure him to a larger 
sapling. Presently we heard a fearful shriek and the 
growling of a bear, and knew that Boggs was in 
trouble. We all started for his relief, and found a 
large bear had him down. It was now so dark as to 
render it unsafe to shoot at the bear, so I attacked him 
with my knife, and succeeded in killing him. We 
found poor Boggs horribly mutilated, his face being 
bitten all to pieces, and his side torn open. He was 
senseless when taken up, but by the time a carriage, 
for which we sent ten miles, arrived, which was about 
daylight, he was able to talk. He was aware that he 
could not live, but expressed a strong desire to reach 
home before he died. We reached home the next day, 
and our friend died soon after. His frightful death 
was a severe blow to his two brothers who were in the 
party. Before the carriage arrived, some of us went 
to look at the bear, and found her mate and two cubs 
by her side. The old bear was killed, and the cubs 
captured and taken home. Thus sorrowfully ended 
our excursion, which had promised so much pleasure. 



CHAPTEE XV. 

I STOPPED in Napa valley with my sisters and 
friends some time, when one of Mr. Boggs's sons 
and myself went down to San Francisco, where I met 
Colonel James, whom I had known in the city of Mex- 
ico about the close of the Mexican war. He was now 
United States attorney for San Francisco and the dis- 
trict. He said I was the very man he wanted to see, 
and offered me almost any price if I would interpret 
in the Land Commissioner's office, in the investiga- 
tion of the false claims of several parties to Mission 
Dolores. He would also give me mileage and liberal 
wages to go over California and find evidence concern- 
ing ancient claims and titles, as the land records of 
each county were in a confused and very unintelligible 
shape. I accepted the offer, and labored three months, 
making twenty -five dollars per day, including mileage ; 
and, among other important services, I was fortunate 
enough to collect such evidence as defeated the false 
claimants to Mission Dolores, which very valuable real 
estate became the property of the city of San Fran- 
cisco with a confirmed and settled title. 

This Mission Dolores was established by the Mex- 
ican government on real estate of its own, for the pur- 
pose of civilizing and controling the Indians. A 
Catholic priest had been put in charge by the Mexican 
government. A Chilian and a Mexican who were in 
the employ of this priest were murdered, to get rid of 
their evidence, because, if it could be established that 



230 LAND FRAUDS. 

the Mexican government held possession at that time, 
it would be fatal to the claimants under the false title. 
The priest they had bribed with thirty thousand 
dollars to leave for Guaymas. I went down to Guay- 
mas with an order from the Mexican consul, called on 
the Mexican authorities, had this priest delivered to 
me, and proceeded to San Francisco with him, where 
his testimony proved the United States title direct from 
the Mexican government, and the complete falsity of 
the pretended transfer. We were obliged to guard the 
priest carefully, to prevent his being assassinated. The 
false claimants had a Mexican grant with an old date 
and the forged signature of a dead governor. The 
priest was well acquainted with the history of the 
whole transaction, as he had assisted in concocting the 
scheme. He was compelled on his oath to expose the 
knavery of these claimants, and their case was thrown 
out of court. I had told him, on the passage up from 
Guaymas, that the penalty for perjury was imprison- 
ment in the penitentiary, which so frightened him that 
when he came on the stand he told the straight truth. 
Just previous to his being called upon, a false witness 
had sworn in favor of the pretended owners ; and when 
the priest was called into the commissioner's room to 
give his testimony, they stared at him in amazement, 
for they did not imagine that he was in the country. 
The priest was asked if he could point out the men 
who paid him thirty thousand dollars to leave the 
country. He pointed out those who appeared as 
claimants. After his evidence they abandoned the 
case. The papers were forwarded to Washington, and 
the title of San Francisco to Mission Dolores, derived 
by gift from the United States, was confirmed. The 
witness who swore falsely was subsequently sent to the 



VIGILANCE COMMITTEE. 231 

penitentiary for four years. In the early part of 1854, 
I had an invitation from Colonel James, and the com- 
missioner, Colonel Thompson, to meet them at the City 
Hall, in San Francisco, as they were about to transact 
important business. I attended, and found a hall full 
of laborers, merchants, mechanics, and other honest 
men, who had met as a vigilance committee, to take 
active measures to put down gambling and thieving. 
The meeting was secret, no one being allowed there 
except honest men, engaged in some reputable calling. 
This was on Monday night ; and, after perfecting our 
arrangements, Wednesday morning was fixed upon for 
a raid on the gamblers and thieves, on which day no 
business was to be done, and the stores were to be 
closed throughout the city. 

A few days before the organization of the committee, 
the editor of a daily paper called the Town Talk, had 
published an article which reflected severely on the 
gamblers and cut-throats of the city, and the next 
morning as the editor, Mr. King, was crossing the 
street, he was shot down by a desperado named Buck- 
ley. Wednesday morning the vigilance committee 
paid a visit to this Buckley, who was a notorious bully 
and ^ar^d anybody to arrest him. We found him 
asleep, and gave him no time for repentance ; but the 
brother of the murdered editor put the rope around 
his neck, and we hung him from his own bedroom win- 
dow in the upper story, leaving him to the gaze of 
thousands in the street below. He was the first man 
hung.by the committee. 

There was a vigilance committee of eight hundred, 
which had been organized at the other end of the city, 
and they, like ourselves, were divided into parties, that 
took the various resorts of gamblers and thieves by 



232 A WELL ORGAN-IZED CITY. 

surprise. We hung eight that day, and imprisoned 
many more. We hung one man that we found in a 
prison cell with Yankee Sullivan ; and when we took 
him out, it so frightened Sullivan that he committed 
suicide, thinking probably that his turn would come 
next. It was our intention to send Sullivan back to 
England, where he had been a noted criminal ; but we 
should not have hung him anyway, as he had killed 
no person that we knew of, and we only hung murder- 
ers. Persons guilty of smaller crimes we put in jail. 
This day' s operations so alarmed the robbers, sports, 
and roughs of the city, that they fled in all directions : 
some to the States, some to Mexico, and others to the 
mountains to prey upon the miners. 

We then formed what we called the City Guard, 
which was sustained by the popular sentiment ; and 
the merchants once more felt safe, and business resum- 
ed its regular channels, as soon as quiet was restored. 
Colonel James asked me how I liked the present organ- 
ization of the city. I told him I thought it was the 
best organized city I ever saw in my life. There was 
an Italian organ-grinder at every street corner. He 
laughed at the remark and said there was a large 
number of monkeys and hand-organs in the city, but 
he preferred them to the thieves we had expelled. 

In the latter part of 1854, I formed the acquaintance 
of a gentleman called Judge Jenkins. He said he had 
learned that I spoke Spanish, and was a good practical 
miner, and he wanted me to go down into Mexico with 
him and engage in mining ; to which proposition I con- 
sented without due reflection. We started together, 
for the port of Mazatlan, in the State of Cinaloa, and 
prospected among a considerable number of mines in 
that vicinity, and at last purchased one for seven 



MINING AGAIN. 233 

thousand dollars, which, had been a very rich paying 
mine, but had filled up with water, and was now work- 
ed just enough for the owner to retain possession. Be- 
fore purchasing, I told the judge that any less than a 
hundred thousand dollars would be useless in working 
such a mine ; but I would go on and expend what money 
I had if he was certain of raising the balance. He stated 
that he could get all the money we needed. He stop- 
ped there with me three months, and only furnished 
two thousand dollars in the aggregate, while I bought 
all the machinery, paid for the mine, and purchased 
the necessary supplies. I finally informed the judge 
that it would be necessary to run a tunnel into the side 
of the hill, three hundred feet long, to drain off the 
water, and thus avoid raising it by machinery. He 
told me to manage the matter as I thought best, and 
he would go back to San Francisco to get all the money 
we needed, and would soon return. In about a month 
I received a letter from him stating that he should 
soon return with plenty of capital. This letter en- 
couraged me to continue the work, and I went on and 
expended all my means, when, to my surprise, I re- 
ceived a second letter from the judge stating that his 
plans for raising money had failed, and he could do 
nothing for me. 

Here I was again out of money, having spent a little 
over twenty thousand dollars, and the judge had spent 
all he had, which was only two thousand dollars. To 
make the matter doubly aggravating to me, now among 
strangers, destitute and without credit, or the power to 
proceed further with mining, I found that although 
I had expended everything I had in the purchase and 
working of the mine, my title would be worthless if I 
abandoned the mine for one month. According to the 



234 PKACTICING MEDICINE. 

laws of Mexico any person who took charge of an 
abandoned mine, and worked it, could obtain bona fide 
possession and ownership. I did not relish the idea of 
losing all my capital, and forfeiting the mine too, bnt 
what else could I do under the circumstances \ Soon 
after, Domingo Ruby, the governor of Cinaloa, took 
possession of the works, spent fifty thousand dollars 
in completing my tunnel, struck the mine, drained off 
the water, took out hundreds of thousands of dollars, 
and was offered two hundred thousand dollars for his 
claim, at which price he would not think Of selling. 
That was the second time I had been compelled to give 
up mining operations just on the eve of success. 

I then went into Mazatlan to look for some business 
I could engage in without much capital, and finally 
bought some patent medicines and started out as a pill 
doctor, or physician. I had Wright's pills, Ayer's 
pills, and various kinds of patent medicines. I was 
also well acquainted with many kinds of medicinal 
herbs. I established myself at a town about eighty 
miles from Mazatlan, called Cosala. I had a great 
many patients there and as much business as I could 
attend to. I took my pay in horses, cattle, hogs, corn, 
or anything marketable, and was soon looked upon as 
a first-class physician. When I first went there I had 
an open field and no competition, but after I had been 
there about two months, a Mexican doctor came along 
who had a diploma. One day, in conversation he 
asked me what authority I had to practice medicine. 
I told him that I had as much right as he had. He 
said he had a diploma, and he was going to have me 
arrested, and if I could not show a diploma, I should 
be stopped from practicing medicine. He had me 
brought before a justice of the peace, who was a par- 



TRIAL AS A QUACK. 235 

ticular friend of mine, who discharged me forthwith, 
saying I was regarded as a first-rate physician, by all 
his friends and neighbors ; and he advised the other 
fellow to leave, and practice elsewhere. I had attend- 
ed the justice when he was quite sick, and cured him, 
which was all that saved me, for the law was against 
quack doctors. 

After getting a lot of jackasses, mules, horses, and 
hogs, I turned them over to a Mexican ranchero, to 
take care of on shares, and started off to seek another 
location, taking a recommendation from the judge. I 
went to a mining town about fifty -five miles north of 
Culiacan. I had been there about a month when I was 
sent for by Placa de Vega, who was sick. After cur- 
ing him, he asked me if I knew anything about ex- 
tracting metal from ores. I told him I was acquainted 
with the quicksilver amalgamating process in use at 
Guanaxuata, and he then employed me, and I worked 
for him over a year, until the latter part of 1856. His 
mine was poor, and did not pay expenses ; and I ad- 
vised him to cease operations, for I was anxious to do 
something more profitable. 

We soon had a visitor, who was introduced to me as 
Lawyer Romero, of Guadalaxara, who had come to 
see Senor de Yega on important business, the nature of 
which was soon after explained to me. To understand 
the nature of his mission, it is important to know the 
condition of Mexico at that time. 

Mexico was at this time a perfectly priest-ridden 
country. The people were in a state of abject slavery 
to the clergy, who not only absorbed the capital of the 
county, but required the greatest respect and tokens 
of superiority from them. When a priest passed 
through the streets, it was necessary for the people to 
16 



236 UPRISING AGAINST CHURCH POWER. 

fall on their knees and make the sign of the cross, or 
they wonld receive affronts from some of the soldiers 
who always formed the escort of a priest. They re- 
quired more days for church holidays, &c, than they 
allowed for business, and took heavy toll on every 
article raised or manufactured. They laid a heavy tax 
on every step in a man' s existence, — baptism, marri- 
age, and burial. 

Placa de Vega, knowing my American birth, and 
sympathies for freedom, had sufficient confidence in 
me to unfold the plan of a revolution which was soon 
to overthrow this priestly rule. I was at Del Fuerte 
with him. and Senor Romero on the 17th of Septem- 
ber, 1857, the day before the revolution broke out. 
The president of the Republic, Mr. Comonfort, was at 
the head of this rebellion — this grand uprising of the 
people against their oppressors. The details were 
managed so skillfully that the liberty party had been 
generally organized throughout most of the larger 
towns of the Republic, and the day agreed upon for a 
pronunciamiento to be issued against the conservatives, 
or priestly party, without their knowledge, and before 
they could arrange a plan of defense. A few conserv- 
atives in the city of Mexico had some information fur- 
nished them before the time set for the rising, but they 
were powerless before the storm that was ready to 
burst upon them. General Lanberg, an Austrian 
officer who had fought against General Scott, during 
the Mexican war, was in command of four hundred 
troops, in the city of Mexico, who sympathized with 
the church party. The priests offered him a large 
sum of money to declare for them, and influence his 
troops to fight for them. He took their money and 
promised to assist them, but President Comonfort 



RELEASING PRISONERS. 237 

learning the particulars, offered him a larger bribe, 
and he took it and declared for the liberal party when 
the pronunciamiento came out, and his troops sided 
with him. 

The evening of the seventeenth of September, I was 
asked to take command of a squad of twenty men, 
and release fifty -eight prisoners from jail, so that they 
could take a part with us in the revolution. There 
was a grand ball in our hall of rendezvous at Del 
Fuerte, that evening, to allay any suspicion that the 
priests might have on account of seeing so many stran- 
gers pour into town and gather around one building. 
At one o' clock, on the morning of the eighteenth, the 
hour previously agreed upon by the liberals all over 
Mexico, the revolution commenced ; and the uprising 
was simultaneous all through the cities of that country. 
It was a dark night, which we considered favorable ; 
half the government soldiers at the barracks had 
promised to aid us in disarming and subduing their 
comrades, if any there were who favored the priests 
enough to fight for them. But at Del Fuerte we anti- 
cipated very little bloodshed, for, by a liberal supply 
of liquor to the soldiers we made them half drunk, 
and careless about guarding the barracks. 

At one o'clock I started with my squad of twenty 
men, for the jail, with no arms except my double bar- 
reled gun and revolver. My men had armed them- 
selves with short clubs. On the way to the jail, I 
picked up several more liberals, armed with clubs, and 
when we arrived at the jail yard, we found the senti- 
nel and the guard of twenty -four soldiers drunk and 
fast asleep. They were easily secured, and, armed 
with their guns, we advanced to the jail and told the 
prisoners what we had come for, and they were not 



238 APPOINTED CAPTAIN. 

long in rousing from their slumbers, and cheering for 
the liberty party. The jail was opened, and every 
one of the prisoners joined our force, as did many 
soldiers, so that we returned to our barracks, or danc- 
ing hall, with one hundred and fifty men. This had 
been accomplished without firing a gun ! Soon after 
we arrived at the hall, about three o' clock in the morn- 
ing, De Vega and Romero arrived, followed by a great 
crowd of government soldiers and citizens who had 
joined our party. 

Romero made a speech, telling them that the revolu- 
tion was to throw off the yoke of priestly domination, 
and to enable the poor man to get a living without be- 
ing taxed to death by the church. He then read to 
them the new constitution of 1857, prepared for adop- 
tion all over the republic ; and when he had finished 
reading, the crowd all cheered and shouted in favor of 
the new constitution. 

A military company was then formed, of persons 
present in the hall. De Yega and myself stepped for- 
ward, and Romero told them that they were to regard 
Placa de Yega as commander-in-chief of the forces of 
the State of Cinaloa, and that I was captain of that 
company ; and this also appeared to give general sat- 
isfaction. I was then presented by De Yega with a 
commission to raise money for the liberal cause, with 
instructions to arrest any persons who would not com- 
ply with the new order of things, and be quiet and 
peaceable. He gave me a list of rich men in Villa del 
Fuerte, who favored the priesthood, and opposite each 
man' s name was the amount assessed against him. My 
orders were to take a squad of soldiers with me, and 
bring back either the money or the men to head-quar- 
ters ; and in case I brought the men, to keep them 



COLLECT ASSESSMENTS. 239 

prisoners till the money was forthcoming. The first 
man on my list was a priest, who was notorious for 
his vicious life, and who had amassed an immense 
fortune from the priest-ridden people. He was on my 
list for twenty -five thousand dollars, and was much 
alarmed at seeing my men and having such an enorm- 
ous demand for money made so abruptly ; he denied 
that he had any money, but I told him it made no dif- 
ference, as he was as good as the money to me, accord- 
ing to my orders, and he must come along. After my 
men had marched him about half way to the barracks, 
he offered to compromise and raise five thousand dol- 
lars ; but I told him that anything less than twenty - 
five thousand dollars would not do from him ; so he 
walked along and was placed under a strong guard, while 
I went to attend to a few others who had heaped up 
riches out of the labor of honest people. 

One man paid me a thousand dollars. All the rest 
I took to our barracks, which was a large building, 
with a large yard, or inside court ; and porches, or 
verandahs all around ; with a hundred rooms, reached 
only by doors from these inside porches ; there being 
one main entrance from the street. The place belonged 
to De Vega's aunt, and had been built for a hotel and 
lodging rooms, but had been vacant for a while. My 
company, when all were present, numbered about 
four hundred, and this building was well adapted for 
the accommodation of the entire number. 

When I arrived at the barracks with the prisoners, 
I found many of my men preparing for active service 
by making cartridges, and cleaning up old muskets 
which they had collected about town. I went in with 
my prisoners to De Yega and made my report. The 
priest told him that he could only raise &ve thousand 



240 A PEIEST BROUGHT TO TEEMS. 

dollars, and the assessment was exorbitant against 
Mm. De Vega answered: "You are worth twenty- 
five thousand dollars to me. You have had your way 
long enough ; I am going to have mine awhile.'' He 
then ordered the priest to be locked up and given 
nothing whatever to eat or drink till he had paid over 
the twenty-five thousand dollars. The other men all 
compromised by paying a part of their assessments 
down, and agreeing to pay the remainder in six days. 

Early the next morning, the servant of the priest ap- 
peared with chocolate and provisions, inquiring for the 
"Father." We asked him what he wanted. He said 
he had brought the padre's breakfast. We told him 
to go back home ; that the priest was not allowed to 
take any breakfast. The servant returned home with 
the news that the father was being starved to death, 
and in an hour a deputation of eight or ten women 
came to see about the matter. They interceded for the 
priest, pleading earnestly for his release. Vega told 
them there was no relief for laim whatever till he com- 
plied with the conditions. They inquired the amount 
demanded, and offered to raise it if they could be al- 
lowed to see the priest and obtain his consent. Vega 
told them he wanted no money from them, he only 
wanted it from the priest, and he should pay it or he 
would dry him up in his cell by starvation ; and fur- 
ther added that he wanted them to leave the room and 
go home. They went out muttering that the curses of 
that priest would send us all to perdition ; but we told 
them we should take our chances on v that point. 

The priest stood it out like a martyr for two days, 
and then begged of Vega to let him out and he would 
go and raise the money. Vega sent back a reply that 
he had no confidence in him ; and told me to take six 



LEVYING CONTRIBUTIONS. 241 

soldiers, go with Mm to Ms house, be sure he did not 
escape, and return with the money or the priest. In 
half an hour we were in the old priest's cellar, where 
he opened an iron safe in which there seemed to be one 
hundred thousand dollars in gold, put up in sacks of 
five thousand dollars each. He handed us out the 
twenty-five thousand dollars, and we left him to ap- 
pease Ms hunger and bewail his misfortunes. We 
took the money to Yega, who said he was very glad to 
learn that the priest had so much money, as he would 
call on him again whenever his supplies were short. 

I was then ordered by De Yega to take twenty -five 
cavalrymen and go out in the country to levy contri- 
butions of horses and money for the liberal cause. 
One of the principal men on my list was Don Canute 
Evarro, who was wealthy, and owned a large amount of 
stock. He was strongly in favor of the priests, as we 
discovered by a conversation with him, and was much 
taken aback when I demanded a lot of horses and five 
thousand dollars in cash. He declined to pay the 
cash, but offered to let the horses go ; whereupon we 
arrested him and started him towards Del Fuerte. 
After going about two miles, one of the men told him 
how we had served the priest, which scared him so 
badly that he returned to the house with us, paid over 
the money and gave us the horses without any delay, 
and with a considerable show of politeness. 

I was absent on this expedition eight days, and re- 
turned to Fuerte with four hundred horses and eight- 
een thousand dollars in money. De Yega congratu- 
lated me on my success, and said I was about the 
fittest man for general business that he had met, as I 
was doctor, miner, interpreter, captain, and general 
collector. 



242 GEN. GAKCIA MOKALES. 

A servant of a rich man in the vicinity came one day 
to join onr party as a soldier, and stated that his late 
master had two four pounder cannon hidden on his 
place. By De Vega's direction, I took a squad of 
soldiers and a sergeant, and went to bring the cannon 
to our barracks. This servant went with us as a guide, 
and when we arrived at the place I asked the proprie- 
tor if he had any such cannon on his premises, and he 
replied positively that he had not. The servant point- 
ed out a pile of lumber, and on throwing it off we 
found the two cannon. I then asked for the moulds 
and ammunition. He said he had none. I inquired 
of the servant, and he said they were in a room adjoin- 
ing the kitchen. The old man was compelled to show 
us the articles, and we bore them off to the barracks 
in triumph. 

That forenoon, a dispatch was brought by a messen- 
ger from Sonora, to the effect that General Garcia 
Morales, a brother-in-law of the governor of Sonora, 
was coming to our assistance with a force of four hun- 
dred men and four pieces of artillery, and would arrive 
in a few days. He was called by the nickname of 
Cotchero (meaning in English, lizard), because he could 
creep up so slyly on an enemy ; was a great Indian 
fighter, and fond of ambushes when he made them 
himself. 

In the afternoon another dispatch was received, in- 
forming us that eight hundred of the church party 
were marching against us from Mazatlan. \/ The last 
dispatch was from Romero, who was in sight of the 
enemy, having gone down to watch their movements 
about Culiacan and Mazatlan. 

I told De Yega it was high time to begin to drill. I 
picked out drill sergeants, and drilling was steadily 



PREPARING FOR ACTIVE SEEVICE. 243 

kept tip until the arrival of Morales, by which time I 
had gathered up two hundred more recruits from the 
surrounding country, making our force, with the new 
arrival, one thousand men. 

General Morales brought two twelve-pounder how- 
itzers of American make, which had been taken from 
the American fillibuster Crabbe, when he was murder- 
ed in Sonora. He also brought two Mexican six- 
pounders, which, added to my two four-pounders, gave 
us quite a respectable show of artillery for that 
country. I was appointed to take charge of the two 
twelve-pounder howitzers, and drill the men at the 
guns thoroughly, so that they might be of service in 
time of action. 

Before sallying out from Fuerte to meet the church 
forces, we organized a home guard, or police force, to 
keep order in the town ; and also put another judge in 
office who was a liberal, in place of one who was not. 
While on the march out we received another dispatch 
from Romero, who said he had collected three hun- 
dred more recruits, who would join us at Mocarito; 
and from what he could learn, our. forces would then 
be about equal. He urged us to hasten forward, so as 
to effect a junction before the enemy met us. 

At Cinaloa we had an acquisition of one hundred 
more men, and got hold of another priest, from whom 
Yega obtained ten thousand dollars, saying that as he 
was not as big a rascal as the other priest, he would let 
him off easier. We laid over at Cinaloa one day, for 
rest, and to make important changes in the government 
of the place, appointment of officers, and in raising a 
home guard for its protection. This was a place of 
about five thousand inhabitants. 



v 



CHAPTEK XVI. 

¥HEN we arrived at Mocarito, two days afterward, 
we found Romero with three hundred men anxi- 
ously expecting us. De Vega was with us, but left the 
fighting to Garcia, Morales, whom he had invested with 
full command. Morales called on the citizens for carts 
to haul adobes and other fortifying material, and con- 
tinued four days, apparently at work vigorously to 
intrench our position. Being satisfied that the news 
of these movements had reached the ears of the enemy, 
he ordered us all to be ready the next day to break 
camp and march with two days' rations. Meantime, 
another hundred or more new recruits had straggled 
into our ranks from various quarters, and we now num- 
bered nearly fifteen hundred men. The last evening at 
Mocarito, we were informed by Romero's scouts that 
the enemy, with sixteen hundred men, were only a 
day' s march distant. We therefore broke camp hasti- 
ly, and Morales marched us that night about twelve 
miles towards the enemy, where we took a favorable 
position, and lay in ambush in a lot of brush and small 
trees by the side of the road. We laid in the brush on 
our faces, our artillery hidden completely from view, 
by green brush which we cut for that purpose. Our 
cavalry were in the rear of us and we intended to let 
their advance guard and a part of their force get past 
us, and then open fire on them. 

Opposite to us, in the road, the advance guard of the 
enemy came suddenly on one of our men about day- 



A DOG MAKES TKOUBLE. 245 

break, and asked Mm where lie belonged, &c. He had 
been sent on an errand by an officer and had not time 
to conceal himself before they came npon him. While 
they were questioning him, a little dog that had fol- 
lowed us commenced to bark, and this alarmed them 
so that they dismounted and looked about under the 
trees. Discovering the red shirts of some of our men, 
they endeavored to escape ; but all were shot except 
one, who rode back to the main body nearly frightened 
out of his wits. But for this little dog, our plan of 
ambuslf/would probably have so surprised the enemy, 
that we should have killed or captured nearly all of 
them, as they were marching irregularly, not dreaming 
of any surprise, as they supposed we were still in 
Mocarito. 

All our force now advanced two or three hundred 
yards, to a rise of ground which commanded the road, 
and, in fact, the whole plain, which was bare, with the 
exception of the few trees which covered our ambus- 
cade. I planted my howitzers on a high point over- 
looking the road over which the enemy must come. 
Upon the first alarm they had retreated a short distance, 
and made preparations for battle ; for, before that, one- 
half their guns were not loaded. While they were 
getting ready we had ample time to complete our pre- 
parations, and soon commenced firing. The enemy had 
eight pieces of artillery, and we began to throw shells 
at each other. They commenced cutting a cactus hedge 
to get their artillery through, with the intention of 
flanking us ; but a shell from us dismounted the first 
gun which they got through the hedge, and they 
changed their plan. Advancing boldly up the road, 
they commenced in earnest, and musketry firing be- 
came general. The fight commenced about eight in 



246 UNRELIABLE CAVALRY. 

tlie morning and ended at three in the afternoon. Their 
commanding officer was a very brave man. He charged 
up the hill straight to my artillery. Springing npon 
one of the guns, he ordered us to surrender, when one 
of my men shot him through the breast and he fell 
dead, astride of the axle of the gun carriage with his 
head over the gun. Soon the enemy broke and fled. 
We called for our cavalry to pursue, but they had 
been stationed in our rear, and finding the shells burst- 
ing thick among them, they had retreated, and not one of 
them could be found. If the enemy had known that 
fact they would not have retreated in such disorder nor 
gone so far. On the enemy's side there were one hun- 
dred and eleven men killed and thirty -two wounded. 
On our side thirty-eight were killed and twenty-seven 
wounded, including our commander, Garcia Morales, 
who was wounded in the hip with a pistol-ball, and 
one of our artillery captains named Gumbor, was 
wounded in the thigh ; but neither of them danger- 
ously. 

We collected our troops on the battle-field and 
camped there that night, and the next day buried our 
dead. The wounded were taken back to Mocarito, and 
I was detailed to establish an hospital, get it into good 
condition, and leave it in good hands ; then I was to 
rejoin our forces. After getting the hospital in work- 
ing order, and surgeons supplied, I levied contributions 
from the church party to supply our hospital with 
necessaries. These important duties hindered me at 
Mocarito two or three weeks. 

Meantime the church party had made a stand at 
Mazatlan, at which place they had gathered ; and our 
army, under Morales, were camped outside the town 
and had them besieged, with a fair prospect of captur- 



VALUABLE EECKUITS. 247 

ing tlie entire force. They were fortified in a position 
that prevented them from obtaining provisions or fuel 
from the adjoining country ; but General Morales con- 
cluded they were getting both from the coast above and 
from Lower California, and he was fearful it would be 
hard to starve them out. While I was back at Moca- 
rito, seeing to the hospital matters, our camp before 
Mazatlan had received some very welcome recruits, viz. : 
Colonel Charles Norton, Captain Ball, John Coly, 
William Keyes, and fifteen or twenty American and 
English marines, who had deserted from vessels on the 
coast and come in there, offering their services to the 
liberal party. 

Anchored in the harbor of Mazatlan, about three 
hundred yards distant from the enemy's fort, was a 
merchant schooner of one hundred and twenty tons, 
fitted up by the church forces as a war vessel, with 
port-holes for six pieces of artillery. They also had a 
beautiful brass pivot-gun mounted on deck. The vessel 
was named the Itrovide, and was of special value to 
the church party, so much so that we formed a plan for 
it£ -capture. 

lS Our newly arrived friends, the marines and officers 
had come down the coast in two small vessels of twenty 
tons each, which they had left six miles above Mazat- 
lan, at a little port called Cameron. They offered to go 
up and get their vessels, if I would lead the expedi- 
tion, and drop down on each side of the war schooner 
and take her by surprise. On explaining the plan to 
De Yega and General Morales, they scouted at the idea 
as ridiculous. Morales, however, soon favored the en- 
terprise, on learning that we only required our two 
twelve pounder howitzers, and a few Mexican soldiers ; 
and if we would take the responsibility we should have 



248 CAPTURE OF A VESSEL. 

what we wanted. After dark, taking the marines and 
the Mexican soldiers allowed us, we went up to where 
the two vessels lay, put the howitzers aboard, one on 
each vessel, and by rowing and drifting we neared the 
schooner so noiselessly that we were not discovered till 
we had got very near to her. My vessel approaching 
on the left, and the other, commanded by Colonel Nor- 
ton, on the right. We intended to board her at once, 
after the first discharge from our twelve pounders, 
which we had double- shotted with grape and canister. 

Suddenly the man on the watch called out : 

" Who's there?" 

I answered, in English, " Friends, with provisions.'' 

He said, " Anchor where you are." 

" All right," I replied, rattling the chain as if letting 
down the anchor. It was too dark for him to see us 
distinctly. I wanted to get my vessel a little more 
abreast of them to give them a raking broadside and 
then grapple with and board her. With muffled oars 
we silently approached, when, finding the crew of the 
schooner aroused and gathered on deck, I discharged 
the howitzer among them, and we pulled in earnest for 
their sides, clambered up just as Captain Norton gave 
them another discharge from the opposite side. Cut- 
lasses in hand, we rushed on the few who remained on 
deck, nine of whom surrendered, and the remainder 
not killed, jumped overboard and swam for the shore. 
Their force numbered about thirty, and their easy cap- 
ture was the result of their carelessness on watch, as 
they little dreamed of attack. We weighed anchor 
and hoisted sail, but there was not a breath of air stir- 
ring, and the schooner did not move. We were now in 
an unpleasant situation, for the enemy's fort opened 
fire on us, and, as day was breaking, we made a good 



A MISTAKE OF MOEALES. 249 

target. Our only chance was to man our small vessels 
and tow the schooner out of range, for their shots be- 
gan to tell on us, several of our men being killed and 
wounded. Just as we had got her head around, for- 
tunately a breeze sprung up, and we moved out of 
danger. 

I had told General Morales that when our firing com- 
menced, the enemy' s troops would all come running to 
the beach from their intrenchments, to fire upon us, 
and it would be a favorable opportunity for him to cap- 
ture the town by attacking them in the rear. As we 
moved out of the harbor, the enemy in full force were 
gathered on shore, even their cavalry having come 
down to fire upon us. It was very mortifying to see 
that Morales did not make the attack, which would no 
doubt have proved successful. 

I asked one of our prisoners, a negro, where the 
shells for the pivot-gun were. He brought me some 
fine American shells, and training the gun on some cav- 
alry near the water's edge, I dropped a few shells 
among them, as well as into the fort, which had a good 
effect, killing a number and dispersing the crowd. 

We took the captured schooner, with our little ves- 
sels, back to the port of Cameron, where we started 
from. Here we found a lot of our troops gathered to 
welcome us. 

"Well," said General Morales, "you Americans 
beat the d — 1. I wouldn't have gone with you on such 
an enterprise for the whole of Mexico." 

Said I to Morales, with some show of anger in my 
question, ' ' Why did you not go into the city when you 
heard our firing and had such a good opportunity." 

" I was looking at you," he replied ; "expecting you 
would all be killed." 



250 ENGLISH INTERFERENCE. 

I told him that in war some risk must be run or 
nothing won. 

' ' Now, ' ' said he, ' ' we have them in our power. We 
can cut them off from provisions coming by sea or 
land, and we can starve them out in a very short 
time." 

The next day, a United States man of war, the St. 
Mary, came to our port of Cameron, not being willing 
to anchor at Mazatlan under the flag of the church 
party. The officers came ashore and fraternized with 
our officers, and invited them aboard the St. Mary, and 
we all had a social time together. In the meantime an 
American vessel, loaded with flour for San Bias, sprung 
a leak, and put into the harbor of Mazatlan for repairs. 
General Arteigo, commanding the church forces in 
Mazatlan, seized the flour, on the ground that the ves- 
sel had not cleared for that port. The truth was, his 
soldiers were in sore need of flour, as well as every- 
thing else in the way of eatables. 

Captain George Lewis, the owner of the cargo, made 
complaint to the American consul at Mazatlan, who 
communicated with Commander Wells of the St. Mary. 
The result was that General Arteigo was speedily in- 
formed that if Captain Lewis was not delivered on 
board the St. Mary, at 4 o'clock the next day, with the 
value of his cargo, nine thousand dollars, he would 
come down and blow the side of their town off. There 
had just arrived at Mazatlan, an English man of war, 
named the Eclipse, and the commander sent word to 
Commodore Wells that he had no right to make such 
demands. Commodore Wells returned for an an- 
swer to the Englishman, that he must mind his own 
business ; for his part, he was only protecting the in- 
terests of his countrymen, and if the Englishman was 



LOSS OF OUR PEIZES. 251 

dissatisfied with his conduct, and would anchor out at 
a proper distance, he could have satisfaction, for he 
felt competent to blow him out of the water and shell 
the town besides. The challenge was not accepted, 
however. 

About 3 o 1 clock Commodore Wells weighed anchor 
and dropped down opposite Mazatlan. At 4 o'clock 
he opened his port-holes and shoved out his guns. The 
Mexicans hastily raised a flag of truce and brought 
Captain Lewis aboard with eight thousand dollars ; but 
they were compelled to return and get the other thou- 
sand without delay. Commodore Wells then gratuit- 
ously furnished ship-carpenters, who repaired Captain 
Lewis' s vessel, and he sailed for San Francisco, think- 
ing his flour well sold, as he had got twice as much for 
it as it would have brought if he had continued on to 
San Bias. The American man of war soon left our 
port for Acapulco. 

Four days after the St. Mary left, the bishop of 
Mazatlan and General Arteigo consulted with the com- 
mander of the English man of war, and bribed him, as 
we afterwards found, with a gift of ten thousand dol- 
lars, to take our schooner, the Itrovide, and a number 
of small boats we had captured since, while trying to 
run into Mazatlan with supplies, away from us. We 
saw the vessel approaching, and could have made our 
escape ; but, having no suspicion, made no effort to do 
so, as it had been a common thing for vessels to come 
into our port for water. The Eclipse came alongside 
of our -schooner, hailed us, and ordered us ashore as 
pirates ! We replied that they were meddling with 
business that did not concern them, and, as many of us 
on board were Americans, they might hear from us 
afterwards ; but the commander insisted on our going 
17 



252 A LITERAL PICKET. 

ashore at once, and we left our valuable prize as soon 
as they boarded us, knowing that they were too strong 
for us to resist. 

We had taken ten or eleven little vessels and boats 
that were bringing provisions to the troops in Mazat- 
lan, and had the town nearly reduced by starvation. 
Among the vessels was one loaded, apparently, with 
copper ore. As shipments of copper were common, we 
did not think of looking for anything more valuable. 
The captain of this vessel escaped, and reported to Gen- 
eral Arteigo that we had taken his vessel, and that the 
lower part of his cargo was bars of silver, which the 
copper ore concealed. The bishop and general could 
well afford to give ten thousand dollars to get posses- 
sion of this treasure, and they and their sympathizing 
friend, the English commander, made a good thing out 
of it^ In about a week the English commander sent 
the Itrovide to Acapulco for supplies. Near the 
Las Tres Marias Islands, she sunk, and, our vessel 
stolen from us so shamefully went to the bottom, with 
sixty Englishmen on board. Of course we shed no 
tears over their shipwreck. 

Our siege of the place still continued, and I submit- 
ted to my humble duties on shore with as good grace 
as possible, after being the hero of naval exploits, &c. 
A part of my duty was to superintend the guard and 
see to its being changed every six hours. Occasionally 
I went out with the picket-guard, and sometimes at the 
head of a foraging party, I was gathering supplies 
from the neighboring towns. The negro we had found 
on board the Itrovide had joined our party, and was 
one night on guard when I was in charge of the picket 
line. The orders to sentinels were to hail all strangers 
with the usual "Who comes there?" and repeat it 



STRATEGY OF MORALES. 253 

three times. If, after that, there was no response, to 
fire. The negro was on guard for the first time, and I 
had explained to him fully how to give the challenge. 
About midnight I was aroused by his yelling, " Who 
cum dar tree times \ ' ' and bang went his gun before I 
could reach him. 

" What's the matter ?" I asked. 

" Whoeber it is, I got him," said he. 

The camp was aroused, and we soon discovered the 
cause of alarm. An unlucky jackass, browsing in the 
brush, had come too near to the darkey, and he had 
shot him between the eyes ; and there he lay kicking 
on the ground. The next morning our quartermaster 
had to pay a Mexican twelve dollars and a half for his 
jackass. 

The next day we learned that a reinforcement of 
troops belonging to the church party, calling themselves 
"the Lord's troops," had come to the relief of Mazat- 
lan. They were under the lead of Perez Gomez, a 
noted Castilian. Our commander found out that only 
a part had arrived, and that the remainder were expect- 
ed soon. General Morales now displayed his peculiar 
tactics again. He sent men to report in Mazatlan that 
we were completely demoralized, and about to retire to 
the mountains. After allowing sufficient time for this 
report to be circulated, the bugle summoned us to pre- 
pare for marching, and we started about midnight away 
from Mazatlan towards Cosala, most of the enemy's 
troops pursuing us the next morning under the com- 
mand -of General Inguanzo. General Gomez and Gen- 
eral Arteigo did not take part in this pursuit. 

After a march of two days, we arrived at a plain be- 
tween two mountains, with thick woods on both sides 
of the road ; and here to the right and left we secreted 



254 SUCCESS OF AN AMBUSCADE. 

our forces in ambush. We had received a dispatch 
from General Coranow, who was on the way from 
Chihuahua with eight hundred troops coming to our 
aid, that he would take this main route, and we now 
expected him momentarily. Still, to make all sure, 
General Morales had sent a messenger forward to halt 
Coranow' s forces, some distance back, so that the 
Lord' s troops would, after getting safely past us, find 
themselves attacked in front, while we sprang out from 
our ambush and attacked them in their rear. The plan 
worked to a charm. General Coranow arrived about 
an hour before the battle, and stationed his force across 
the road and in among the trees as agreed. On came 
the Lord's troops in hot pursuit. Some dressed like 
priests, in long robes with saintly hoods, and none 
dreaming of danger. At a given signal, we rose and 
poured in a deadly volley before they could organize 
for defense. Our artillery also began to play on them, 
when, seeing themselves surrounded, and with no way 
of escape, they raised the white flag and surrendered 
unconditionally. We got twelve pieces of artillery 
and all their equipments, and made prisoners of nearly 
all their force, which numbered about two thousand. 
V 7 General Inguanzo and some of their cavalry escaped ; 
but we captured General Revoyella, the second in com- 
mand, and brought him to Mazatlan, where he was 
sentenced to death. The church party offered a large 
amount to save the life of this general, but De Yega 
insisted on his being shot. 

We returned with a force of about twenty- seven hun- 
dred, including General Coranow' s command, and 
walked into Mazatlan without difficulty, as the troops 
had nearly all deserted the town on learning the dis- 
astrous results of the pursuit. In addition to this, 



CAPTUEE OF MAZATLAN. 255 

more than half of the two thousand prisoners consented 
to serve on our side. Others who were stubborn we 
placed at work on the fortifications of Mazatlan and in 
covering up the numerous artificial pitfalls which the 
Lord' s troops had constructed in the streets for our 
army to fall into, in case we captured their city. In 
each pitfall sharp stakes were driven, so that men or 
horses in falling would be pierced through. 

General Gomez, General Artiego, and the bishop, 
with priests, officers, &c, escaped from the city by 
going on board the English man of war "Eclipse," 
and sailing away, leaving the remnant of their troops 
in the city to escape as they could. General Gomez 
afterwards sailed for Spain, having married a rich wife, 
and preferred to leave with her for a country where 
there would be more safety for his head. Requisi- 
tions were made under which we were paid two months 
wages. Colonel Norton, Captain Ball, and myself, 
each received from De Vega a splendid marine saber, 
worth seventy-five dollars, as a present in honor of our 
capture of the Itrovide vessel of war. 

We released all the liberals that we found in jail at 
Mazatlan, many of whom were incarcerated in cells for 
no crime except that of favoring our cause. 

We liberated one old man who had been arrested for 
selling mule-meat for beef to the half-famished soldiers 
(before we entered the place), but we set him free, con- 
sidering the meat good enough for them, and much 
more desirable than starvation. 

We found a fore-and-aft schooner in port, called the 
Epala, which we fitted up as a coast guard. Three 
captains and some others of the church party were 
placed on board for safe keeping. Captain Avilles, the 
officer in charge, came ashore with some marines one 



PRIZES AT SAN BLAS. 

day to get orders for a cruise down the coast. The 
prisoners, who were not ironed, discovered the re- 
duced number of the crew, and, rising up, they 
overpowered the force on board and put out to sea, 
making, evidently, for San Bias. There was another 
schooner in port, called the Lord Raglan, a vessel of 
two hundred and fifty tons, and I proposed to Colonel 
Norton that we should take her with a proper force and 
go in pursuit, and with a twenty -four pounder which 
was on board, I thought we could capture or sink the 
runaways. On submitting the proposition to General 
Morales, he favored it, and offered us the use of another 
schooner, the "Seventeenth," which had just arrived 
in port. Both vessels were soon under way, with one 
hundred and fifty soldiers on each, besides the crews. 
We arrived in San Bias about four hours after the run- 
away schooner had anchored in a basin around the 
point, under cover of a battery of two small guns on 
the hill-side. I transferred fifty men to Colonel Nor- 
ton, making his force two hundred, with which he was 
to cut out the Epala, while I bombarded the town. 
There was a garrison there of six hundred church 
troops, and I did not hesitate to open fire, but blazed 
away with my shells at short range, and soon the cus- 
tom house was in flames, and the fire spread among 
the palm-thatched roofs till half the town was burned. 
While I was thus engaged in the bombardment, 
Colonel Norton, with the aid of Captain Avilles, had 
retaken the Epala, killing one of the officers who ran 
off the schooner. The other officers succeeded in 
making their escape, which was very fortunate for 
them, for Avilles was furious in his anger toward, the 
men who had thus stolen a march on him, and would 
spare no prisoners. 



EXPEDITION AGAINST LOZADO. 257 

After the vessel had been recaptured, Colonel Norton 
landed his men and signalled me, as had been previous- 
ly agreed upon, to follow, which I did with seventy -five 
men, leaving a lieutenant and twenty -five soldiers to 
man the gun and take charge of the vessel. Very little 
resistance was offered, for our united forces soon 
drove the church party out of town. Their loss must 
have been fifty or more killed, while ours was slight. 
We returned to the custom house, and found the walls 
still standing. As they were built of adobes, and the 
floor of stone, nothing was burned except the roof and 
thin partition walls, with trifling furniture. Breaking 
open the safe we found five thousand dollars, which, 
with the enemy' s two field-pieces, we carried on board 
as prizes. We returned to Mazatlan with our prizes, 
and were welcomed with salutes from our troops, who 
were drawn up on the beach to see us land. We were 
cheered for our success, and complimented by the com- 
mander, who allowed us to divide the five thousand 
dollars among ourselves. 
// Shortly after this expedition, General Coranow re- 
ceived orders to prepare for marching, with two thou- 
sand troops, against the Indians and Mexicans who 
were posted at Tepic, twenty-five miles back of San 
Bias. Their leader was the noted desperado and In- 
dian chief Lozado, and they were fighting for the church 
cause. Our force was organized, and myself and Cap- 
tain Brown were put in charge of the artillery. I had 
two twenty -four pounders and he had two twelves. 
Our force was divided, part going over land, and part 
by water, to San Bias. There we united and marched 
on Tepic. When we arrived near Tepic we found there 
were from four to five thousand of the enemy, mostly 
Indians, in the town. We opened fire on them about 



258 SOLD OUT. 

ten in the morning and by four in the afternoon were 
driving the Indians out of town, when General Coranow, 
our leader, received a shot through the right thigh 
which shattered the bone. It was the result of his 
rashness and imprudence, for he was with the advance, 
driving the Indians through the town, lancing and 
shooting them down in the street, when the fatal shot 
was fired from an upper window, and he fell. Firing 
ceased then on both sides, with the Indians whipped, 
as we hoped. Coranow died at 9 o'clock, during the 
operation of amputation, which fact was kept secret 
from the soldiers. Next in command of our army was 
Cordero, a desperate villain, under whose orders firing 
recommenced at daybreak. We fought till 8 o'clock, 
when Captain Brown of the artillery fell dead at my 
side, with a bullet through his breast. The Indians 
were retreating, and we had the advantage, when a 
bugle sounded on our side to cease firing. I heard the 
bugle, but after putting my first sergeant in Captain 
Brown' s place, I continued firing, when Cordero rode 
up to me, and cried out : 

" Didn't you hear the bugle sound for a parley V 
" How could you expect a man to hear a bugle when 
cannon are firing the way they are ? " I replied. 

I asked Cordero what he meant by a parley. He 
said he was going to hold a short consultation with the 
Indian chief Lozado. I told him I didn't see the neces- 
sity of any truce, when we had them so nearly flogged ; 
and he replied that he knew his business. In an hour 
I found out to my sorrow what the traitorous old scamp 
intended by his truce, for we were completely sold out, 
bag and baggage, to the Indian chief Lozado, for the 
sum of fifty thousand dollars, i By the terms, we sur- 
rendered our artillery, arms, ammunition, horses, 



EETUEN TO MAZATLAN. 259 

equipments, &c, and even onr side arms in most cases 
were taken from us. My beautiful marine saber, pre- 
sented me by De Vega, was taken with the rest, and in 
its place a little short thing given me, which I threw 
against an artillery wagon. If I had shot Cordero, 
when he bade me cease firing, and taken command of 
the force myself, we should have beaten the enemy com- 
pletely, and I should have been promoted. I was 
tempted to do so, for I suspected some treachery, and 
from his villainous looks I regarded him as more fit for 
a prison than for the head of an army. Cordero re- 
served his fine riding horse, and eighteen or twenty 
pack-mules to carry his money and baggage, including 
his own and that of General Coranow, which he appro- 
priated as well as three or four thousand dollars in 
specie which the deceased general had taken along for 
the use of the army. He also retained an escort of 
fifty armed soldiers, whom he selected from our ranks, 
who remained friendly to him. It was suspected that 
Coranow had been poisoned in the amputation by the 
connivance of this traitor, for the surgeon employed 
was a citizen of Tepic and a zealous churchman. 

In this engagement the enemy had lost from four to 
five hundred men, and our loss was about two hun- 
dred ; in one sense a victory, and in another, a shame- 
ful defeat ; for we now were compelled to return to San 
Bias and get back to Mazatlan the best way we could. 
There was not a horse belonging to the party ; and our 
wounded we were compelled to leave at Tepic, to the 
tender mercies of cut-throats and savages. Mournfully 
and silently we buried our brave commander, Coranow, 
and then began our weary march across the plains and 
over the hills, to starve upon the route, perhaps, for we 
were only allowed to take two days' rations out of our 



260 I MAKE A DISCOVERY. 

own quarter-master's stores. These were the liberal 
terms that the traitor had arranged for us ! 

We kept our force from straggling as much as possi- 
ble, from fear of guerrillas, and finally arrived at 
Acaponeta, a town of a thousand inhabitants. We 
were footsore, tired, and hungry, and had to sleep on 
the ground without blankets. I was awakened in the 
night by the musquitoes, and, being very thirsty, went 
to a house in the distance, where there was a light, in 
search of water. Looking in, as I approached, I saw 
Cordero sitting at a long table, with his face toward me, 
dealing the game of monte, with several Mexicans sit- 
ting opposite and betting against him. He had two or 
three thousand dollars in gold by him on the table. It 
made my blood boil to see that he had followed us, and 
in this gambling house was operating with the money 
he had sold us for. A sentinel was lying asleep out- 
side by the door, and, looking close, though there was 
no moon, I discerned the forms of twenty or thirty 
others, who lay on the ground asleep, their guns by 
their sides. These I supposed to be a part of the escort 
he had selected from our ranks. Suddenly an idea 
popped into my head. I hurried back to my first ser- 
geant, and waking him, asked him for his revolver, 
which he did not surrender to Lozado, having secreted 
it when they took our arms. 

" What are you going to do % " he asked. 

" Get up," said I, "and get your men up, and be 
very still." 

"What is it?" he asked. 

"Never mind," I answered. "I will soon tell you. 
Rouse up your men, very quick." 

I soon had over a hundred of our men following me, 
with cat-like tread, over to the house ; and on the way 



EXECUTION OF CORDERO. 261 

I hinted my plan, and told them that the infamous 
Cordero was actually the object of capture now ; that 
he was at his old tricks of gambling in a house close 
by, &c. We stole softly up to the house and seized 
the guns of the guard, who were still asleep. They 
roused up, but seeing the yard full of their old com- 
rades, had no disposition to raise the alarm, but felt 
disposed to join us. I went into the house with five of 
my men, well armed, and presenting the pistol I had 
taken of my sergeant to the head of Cordero, I de- 
manded his money. He had his fifty thousand dollars 
in the room, except several thousand he had lost at 
monte that night to the Mexican gamblers at the table. 
We made them disgorge, and placed them under ar- 
rest. By this time the room was full of my men, and 
the doors were locked. 

' ' Captain Hobbs, ' ' asked the traitor, ' ' what are you 
going to do with me, now that lam your prisoner ?" 

" I'll show you very quick," said I. 

Taking him out into a hollow, he was shot by my 
order, as I was perfectly willing to take the responsi- 
bility. All our troops gathered around to see him shot, 
and half the inhabitants of the town, aroused by the 
tumult, came around to learn the cause of the uproar. 
By daylight nearly every man in the place had seen 
the corpse, and heard the story of our battle, the sur- 
render, the weary march, and our terrible sufferings. 
Hardly any one justified the traitor ; though some of 
the citizens of the place wondered at Cordero 1 s folly in 
visiting his old gambling den ; but this place was off 
the main road from San Bias to Mazatlan, and we 
turned in there for rest and provisions. Cordero must 
have arrived after we had laid down to sleep, in a large 
field outside of the village, for he would not willingly 



262 ARRIVAL AT MAZATLAIT. 

rush into our presence. We made a demand on the in- 
habitants for provisions, and while at breakfast, a dis- 
patch came from De Yega, who had heard of Cordero's 
treachery, requesting me to see that the traitor was as- 
sassinated before he fled the country. I sent the courier 
back to say to De Yega that his orders were executed 
even before they arrived ! and sent a brief report of our 
condition, &c. 

I also levied a contribution on the town for cattle and 
horses, and succeeded in getting ten head of cattle and 
nearly sixty horses. This was fortunate, as some of 
our men were worn out and were compelled to ride. 
We mounted as many as possible on the animals of 
Cordero and his guard, and made the guard walk as 
prisoners. I rode Cordero's fine horse, and had a sort 
of body guard of lame and sick soldiers riding on 
either side of me, on the pack-mules, that carried Cor- 
dero' s baggage and the money he got of Lozado. 

After a distressing march we arrived at Mazatlan, 
Governor Yega and Garcia Morales coming out on the 
road to meet us, and giving us a hearty welcome. 

' ' Captain, ' ' said Morales ' ' you' ve played one of my 
old tricks, on that miserable traitor." Yega thought 
we should have scalped him. They invited me into 
their carriage, and the troops came out to greet us with 
a band of music, and colors flying. All rejoiced that 
we had returned alive, even though we had bad luck. 
I delivered to De Yega all the property and money 
taken from Cordero, except what I had expended for 
supplies on the way. The escort of fifty soldiers were 
tried, but acquitted on the ground that it is a soldier's 
duty to render obedience to his commander. 



CHAPTEE XVII. 

THE cause of the liberals was gaining in favor 
among the common people, and recruits were 
daily coming in. Several hundred had joined our 
ranks at Mazatlan, while we were absent on the expe- 
dition against Lozado. Several vessels had also been 
captured, and the surrounding country had been levied 
on for supplies of provisions and money to carry on 
the contest. In some of these foraging expeditions, pre- 
vious to going to Tepic, I had excellent luck, and also 
met with some narrow escapes. I was one day inform- 
ed by Governor Yega, that a vessel was expected 
shortly from China, with a valuable cargo belonging 
to rich Mexicans of the church party living at Villa 
del Fuerte and Alamos, who would try to smuggle in 
their goods. He told me to get two field pieces on 
board of a schooner, take marines and soldiers and 
watch the coast, with a view to its capture. I told 
him I was no sailor ; but he said Captain Ball was, and 
he might take charge of the vessel and I command the 
soldiers and marines. He offered me in addition to 
captain's pay, one-third of all the smuggled goods 
captured and delivered to him. 

I consented to make the attempt, and we set sail. 
Soon after we left port, we fell in with a vessel from 
California, and inquired of her captain if they had 
seen such a vessel as I described. He said they had, 
and she was putting in toward the mouth of the Fuerte 
river. I gave chase, and found her opposite the smug- 



204 CAPTURE OF A SMUGGLER. 

gling port of Omaha. She attempted to escape, but a 
shot across her bow stopped her, and on boarding her 
we found it was the vessel we were in search of. She 
was a prize indeed, having a cargo which was worth 
two hundred thousand dollars, and with papers for 
only a small portion of it. When the consignees of 
the cargo, who were on board, having come off in a 
pilot boat, found themselves fairly caught, they offered 
ten thousand dollars to be released ; but I refused to 
do any such business. Putting a guard on board of 
her, I took her to Mazatlan. The consignees of the 
cargo went ashore when we arrived at Mazatlan, where 
they staid two or three days. Finally I went ashore 
and saw Yega. He said the business was all arranged. 
I said if it was all arranged it was all right, and re- 
turned to my vessel. Shortly after, he came aboard 
my vessel and told me to take my soldiers ashore. I 
asked him about my portion of the cargo. He said I 
should lose nothing by him. The owners took their 
vessel away, and I went to see Vega again. He said 
they had a right to leave, for they had proper papers. 
I said: "That is played out, Mr. Governor. They 
offered me ten thousand dollars to let them off, and I 
am sure they had no papers." He made but little 
answer ; I never got a cent, however, for my services, 
but I learned, afterwards, that Yega was bribed by the 
owners with a present of fifty thousand dollars. I 
told General Morales what our contract was, and he 
said it was not the first mean trick Yega had been 
guilty of. 

It was not long before De Yega sent for me to go and 
take a smuggling vessel loaded with silver, which he 
had heard of. Said I : " Governor, you did not treat 
me right about the smuggled goods, and I shall not 



TREACHERY OF DE VEGA. 265 

go." He said lie would order me under arrest. I told 
him to do so, but that it would not change my mind at 
all. He ordered me under arrest, but General Morales 
and Governor Pesquiera, of Sonora, remonstrated with, 
him, telling him it was a shame to treat me so after the 
important services I had rendered. They got an order 
of release, but I refused to leave the barracks in which 
I was confined on my word of honor. I demanded a 
trial, though after further conversation I agreed to come 
out, but notified him that I should not fight any more 
under such leaders, and particularly under De Vega. 

Soon afterwards, De Yega made a requisition for one 
hundred and fifty thousand dollars, to go to San Fran- 
cisco, to buy arms. He got the money, went to San 
Francisco and never returned until the war with Max- 
imilian, when he went to Tepic, joined the Indian chief 
Lozado, on the Imperial side, and is perhaps still liv- 
ing among the mountains of that region. 

After the defalcation of De Vega, Senor Ignatio 
Pesquiera, the governor of Sonora, succeeded as the gov- 
ernor of Cinaloa ; thus being governor of two states. 
He had a deputy in Sonora. 

Soon after he was made governor of Cinaloa, Gov- 
ernor Pesquiera issued orders for another expedition to 
be organized to operate against the famous Lozado and 
his tribe. The shame of the former disastrous surren- 
der still rankled in my breast, and I and my compan- 
ions in arms were perfectly willing to engage in a 
second expedition, if commanded by faithful officers. 
We had received a valuable addition to our force in 
Mazatlan just previous to this order, by the arrival of 
fifteen hundred troops under General Lanberg. Gov- 
ernor Pesquiera entrusted the charge of this expedition 
to General Lanberg, and sent with him nearly four 






266 SECOND EXPEDITION AGAINST LOZADO. 

thousand troops, including artillery and a small pro- 
portion of cavalry. Some of the troops went from 
Mazatlan to San Bias by land, and some by water. 
Near San Bias we joined our forces, and marched on 
Tepic. General Corona, who joined us at San Bias by 
water, was another new officer, and as he had a good 
military reputation, he was made second in command. 
This was the same General Corona who afterwards re- 
ceived Maximilian' s sword when he surrendered. Gen- 
eral Rojas had charge of the cavalry. 

This Indian chief, Lozado, was a remarkable charac- 
ter. In his youth he was a servant, and shamefully 
abused by his master, who whipped his mother to 
death for some trifling offense. This made Lozado a 
desperado and outlaw, for he took to the mountains 
with a few miserable followers ; and they organized a 
regular system of guerrilla warfare and robbery. He 
captured his former master and tortured him till he 
died. After years of warfare, he had gathered several 
thousand Indians and half-breeds around him ; and as 
they made their head-quarters in the mountains, all 
the expeditions which had been sent against him were 
perfect failures. On the former occasion when we 
were ordered to Tepic to fight this Indian chief, his 
troops were gathered in the town, and we had a fair 
field, and should have beaten them if the treachery of 
our leader had not prevented. On the present occa- 
sion, when Lozado heard of our advance upon Tepic, 
instead of remaining there with his tribe, he withdrew 
to the mountains, where he knew we could not follow 
him. His followers were devoted to him, and brave to 
the last degree. He was an autocrat, — as much so as 
Brigham Young. His Indians were all Catholics ; and 
with him were priests who told these ignorant fanatics 



BETEAYED BY GUIDES. 267 

that if they fell fighting for the church they would 
shortly be restored to life. In this belief, when we 
fought them first, these deluded savages rushed up to 
the muzzles of our cannon to stop their mouths with 
blankets and thus keep the balls from coming out. 
When we blew some to pieces others took their places. 
When our forces arrived at Tepic and found the 
place nearly deserted, we divided into two parties ; 
one-half the infantry, under General Corona, marching 
for the mountains, with two light mountain howitzers, 
with orders to co-operate with the cavalry under Gen- 
eral Rojas, who was to follow us the next day. Gen- 
eral Lanberg remained at Tepic for a base of operations, 
and to prevent the enemy from surrounding us and 
cutting off our retreat in case of failure. I was in 
charge of the howitzers, with the force of General 
Corona, and we cautiously advanced among the moun- 
tains to discover the favorite retreat, or head-quarters 
of Lozado. Upon climbing around under the summit 
of the Sierra de Allico, a beautiful view was presented. 
Here was a narrow, grassy plain, surrounded by rocky 
walls nearly perpendicular and towering up hundreds 
of feet, and at the further end of the plain it termina- 
ted in a narrow canyon, or defile between the moun- 
tains. The outlet seemed to be hedged up by a sort of 
gate or mass of obstructions. In entering this place 
we had come through by a road hardly wide enough 
for two teams to pass, and we begun to fear that we 
were entrapped by our treacherous guide we had taken 
from Tepic. As we turned to retreat the way we 
came in, huge rocks began to roll down the sides of 
the mountain, crushing many of our men. To add to 
our calamity, there was no possible chance to return 
through the narrow passage by which we entered, as. 
18 



268 ORDERED TO JOIN ZARAGOSA. 

the Indians were just above, on the hillsides, prepared 
to annihilate us if we did so, and had rolled huge 
boulders into the road, nearly obstructing it. For two 
days we remained there, without provisions, as our 
pack mules, loaded with rations, did not enter this 
place, being in the rear, and we could not communi- 
cate with them. All these hours of suspense we were 
expecting the cavalry under Rojas to come to our aid. 
Finally they arrived in sight, and attacked the Indians 
from a *point where they could drive them from the 
rocks above, which enabled us to clamber over the ob- 
structions and retreat out of this prison, with the loss 
of twenty -four men, who were crushed to death, seve- 
ral mules killed, and one artillery carriage smashed 
in pieces. The reason that General Rojas did not get 
to us sooner was because he had mistaken our route 
and gone over thirty miles out of his way ; all planned, 
no doubt, by his two Indian guides, who pretended to 
be friendly. They escaped, or they would have been 
shot, as our guide was. We all returned to Tepic ; 
and in consultation with our officers there, finally 
agreed to give up the pursuit after Lozado and his 
tribe, and return to Mazatlan, where we arrived safely 
and without meeting any enemy. 

After remaining at Mazatlan about a month, General 
Morales received a dispatch from General Zaragosa, 
ordering him to send a force of two thousand men to 
join him at Sayula, and from there proceed to the siege 
of Guadalaxara. General Miramon had collected a 
large force of church troops at this place, and, by a 
bold stroke, General Zaragosa intended to capture 
that city, with all its ten thousand troops, if possible. 
The force was speedily organized, under General Lan- 
berg, and proceeded to San Bias, part by water and 



CAPTURE OF SEDITIOUS PEIESTS. 269 

part by land, meeting again at Tepic, as on a former 
occasion. We made a forced march, our artillery and 
cavalry standing it very well, but the infantry suffered 
considerably on the route. Part of the infantry were 
mounted ; and whenever we could make a raid on a 
ranche belonging to a churchman, and get mules or 
horses, we did so. In this long march we suffered for 
want of provisions. One night, at a little deserted 
village, whose affrighted inhabitants had fled, our 
troops fared very comfortably, and my supper was en- 
riched by the addition of a fat turkey, which I espied 
on a fence, and brought into camp. My first- sergeant 
in the artillery was lucky enough to capture a well- 
filled beehive, and our mess were in clover that night. 
We destroyed no property in that village, but consid- 
ered ourselves entitled to all the provisions and animals 
we found abandoned. We captured four priests the 
next day, by the aid of a liberal, who came to us and 
informed us where they had secreted themselves at a 
hacienda a little off our route. They had been opera- 
ting against us, stirring up the people to organize into 
guerrilla parties to interrupt us in our progress. We 
hung two of them to a tree by the roadside, and the 
other two offered to join our cause and fight with us if 
we spared their lives. General Rojas took them at 
their word, and had them stripped of their robes and 
dressed in our uniform. One of them escaped in the 
night, and the other was hung as soon as General 
Rojas was informed of the escape of his comrade. 

On arriving at the town of Sayula, we met the forces 
of General Zaragosa encamped near the town ; and 
there was great rejoicing at our opportune arrival, for 
General Zaragosa wanted to march on Guadalaxara 
the following day. Uniting our forces we numbered 



270 FATE OF THE WOUNDED. 

about ten thousand, and expected some more recruits 
to join us before we reached the enemy's camp at Gua- 
dalaxara. 

When we had been three days on the march, we met 
a strong force of the enemy, who had come from Gua- 
dalaxara to impede our progress, so that Miramon 
would have time for reinforcements, which he was 
daily expecting, to arrive. General Zaragosa quickly 
formed us in line of battle, and in two hours the enemy 
were forced to retreat, with a loss of three hundred 
killed, and nearly as many wounded. The reason that 
the number of wounded was smaller usually than the 
number killed was that our troops were so embittered 
against the church party, who had been their rulers 
and persecutors so long, that they were unmerci- 
fully cruel in battle to those desperately wounded ; 
and if they could not escape they fared hard, often 
being helped along in their exit to the spirit land by a 
bayonet, or shot as we ran over them in pursuit of a 
flying foe. In the present instance, Zaragosa ordered 
us to charge when they began to fall back ; and we 
pursued them with cavalry, and siezed all their artil- 
lery, eight pieces, before they could get inside the for- 
tifications of Guadalaxara. 

Our army was now in high glee, and all expected an 
easy capture of the city. We encamped on the field, 
and received several hundred recruits that night, who 
hearing the cannonading and witnessing a part of the 
battle determined to join the winning side. The next 
day we were before the city, and, throwing our lines 
around it, began that night the work of intrenching. 
Before we had completed our work the fight com- 
menced, and continued at intervals for four days, with 
the loss of several hundred men on each side. The 



MINING THE ENEMY'S BARRACKS. 271 

fifth day we were joined by Colonel Cheeseman, an old 
United States army officer, with a party of about three 
hundred Texan Rangers and half-breed Mexicans. 
Firing had now ceased, and Colonel Cheeseman' s ad- 
vice was asked. He told General Zaragosa that he 
could suggest a plan of taking the city without so 
much bloodshed, which was, to run a tunnel from a 
deep ravine on the south side of the city, and close to 
the principal barracks. The tunnel would not neces- 
sarily be over one hundred yards in length to run 
under the barracks, and by exploding a mine of pow- 
der and blowing up the enemy, at night, simultaneous 
with a grand attack by our whole force, we should 
have an easy victory. The plan suited General Zara- 
gosa, and he gave Colonel Cheeseman the charge of 
the work. Three hundred sharpshooters were placed 
on the opposite side of the ravine, to shoot all who 
showed their heads above the enemy' s works, and two 
hundred Mexicans were set at work, with picks and 
shovels, in the construction of the tunnel. Occasional 
firing was kept up, and they were closely besieged till 
the tunnel was finished, and the mine charged with 
powder. When all was ready, and our army aroused, 
before daybreak, and prepared for the assault, the 
mine was sprung. About five hundred of the enemy 
in the barracks were killed by the explosion, the air 
being filled with flying bricks, stones, dirt, and rubbish, 
as well as fragments of human bodies. Our attack 
was well planned, and the enemy were panic stricken 
when they found that we were shelling every part of 
the city. General Miramon, who was not in the bar- 
racks, succeeded in escaping with six or eight thous- 
and men and several pieces of artillery, but abandoned 
most of his stores and wagon trains, of which we stood 



272 COLONEL CHEESEMAN POISONED. 

in need. Their defense was spirited, considering the 
circumstances, for they fought us about an hour before 
they retreated, during which I lost twenty of my artil- 

/y/lerymen. 

Colonel O'Roscoe, after our army had entered the 
city, proposed to General Zaragosa to select a suitable 
force and pursue General Miramon. Accordingly he 
was placed in command of about four thousand 
mounted men, including several batteries of light guns, 
and we started and overhauled the straggling army at 
San Juan, cutting it up fearfully, and nearly capturing 
General Miramon, who escaped in disguise. Their 
artillery was surrendered, and many arms were taken 
from their troops, who were so demoralized that they 
fled, after an hour's fight, in every direction. We re- 
turned to Guadalaxara after two days' absence, and 
found that Colonel Cheeseman had been poisoned by a 
Mexican woman where he boarded. It was ascertain- 
ed that the priests and bishops had paid her ten thous- 
and dollars to take his life, as they considered him a 

1/ very dangerous man to their cause. ^ The Colonel was 
buried after a post-mortem examination had revealed 
strychnine in his stomach. The woman was arrested 
and confessed that ten priests and men in holy orders 
were her accomplices, having induced her to do the 
deed. The next morning her head was found on one 
side of the street and her body on the other. The ten 
priests and bishops were immediately hung as acces- 
sories, one of them confessing the crime. The same 
day, six officers that we had taken prisoners were tried, 
and four were shot, while two were spared on condi- 
tion of joining our ranks, as they proved that they 
had been impressed into fighting on the other side. 
We remained here two weeks, the city presenting a 



ORDERED TO CINALOA. 273 

very desolate appearance after the battle. Learning 
that General Miramon, who escaped at the battle of 
San Jnan, had reorganized a large force, and was on 
his way to meet us, we made preparations for an ad- 
vance against him. Onr troops, numbering about two- 
thirds of our entire force, marched against him, confi- 
dent of his speedy overthrow. When the opposing 
armies met on the field we found they outnumbered us 
nearly two to one. General Zaragosa commanded 
our forces, and the fight was a tedious one, lasting two 
days, terminating in a loss of about seven hundred 
killed on each side ; but we held the field and took 
about two hundred prisoners, among whom was Gene- 
ral Toledo, who was shot immediately after. General 
Miramon withdrew from the field, and marched his 
army to the city of Mexico ; and we returned to Gua- 
dalaxara, where General Zaragosa recruited his forces 
and fortified the city. 

Soon after our return to Guadalaxara, Colonel Nor- 
ton and myself received orders to take two hundred 
and fifty men and return to Cinaloa. On the route we 
were attacked by Lozado's Indian warriors on three 
occasions, but escaped with the loss of seven men and 
one piece of artillery. The Indians outnumbered us 
six to one, and all that saved us was that we were all 
well mounted. We arived at Mazatlan without further 
molestation, and were cordially received by our old 
comrades and friends. General Morales informed us 
that we had been sent for to scour the country of Cina- 
loa, -and bring in recruits for the liberal party, in anti- 
cipation of a decisive battle, which it was expected 
would soon come off at the city of Mexico, or in that 
vicinity. We traveled about, over the state, for sev- 
eral weeks,, raising nearly two thousand recruits. 



274 OEDEEED TO MEXICO. 

Wherever our troop of cavalry appeared, it was easy 
to pick up volunteers, and when we had raised any 
considerable number, we levied on horses and mules 
sufficient to mount them in good shape, and dispatch- 
ed them to Mazatlan. 

While engaged in this work, we had a severe engage- 
ment with the enemy's troops, under a leader by the 
name of Coghen. Our party numbered about four 
hundred, and we fought them at a place called Espenal, 
taking many prisoners and several officers, who were 
shot, by order of General Lanberg, after we returned 
with them to Mazatlan. Coghen, however, made his 
escape from the field, with the remnant of his force, 
but was overtaken several days after, and hung, by 
the liberals. We remained at Mazatlan a short time, 
to get the recruits well drilled, and then had orders to 
march for the city of Mexico. 

We started from Mazatlan with all the mounted 
force that could be organized, and all the artillery that 
could be spared, taking an overland route through 
Zacatecas, where we expected a large addition of vol- 
unteers. We were attacked by General Moreno's 
troops, in Zacatecas, and defeated them, with the loss 
of nine hundred men on their side, and about seven 
hundred on ours ; which included several engage- 
ments, as they hung upon our rear and harrassed us 
till we turned upon them and had a half day's obsti- 
nate fight. They then retreated in the direction of the 
city of Mexico, and we pursued them till we turned 
off the route, to unite with the army of General Zara- 
gosa, at Guadalaxara. Thus united, we resumed the 
march after a day's rest, and finally arrived with a 
large and imposing force, in sight of the city of 
Mexico. 



CAPTUKE OF MEXICO. 275 

The enemy were well fortified in the city, and were 
commanded by Generals Miramon, Mejia, and Marquez. 
We opened a fire on the city after making due prepar- 
ation, and the firing was continued for four days, and 
terminated in a complete victory for the liberals, our 
whole loss being about one thousand, and that of the 
enemy about nineteen hundred. We found in the 
city vast quantities of supplies and ammunition ; and 
we confiscated the vast property of the church for the 
use of the liberal party, in carrying on the war, &c. 
All the priests and bishops we could find we imprison- 
ed ; and many officers captured were tried, and some 
of them shot, while others joined our party, some of 
whom fought bravely on our side. We remained in 
the city of Mexico, having entire control, for about six 
months ; and under the administration of the liberals, 
every thing settled into a state of quiet ; the laws were 
respected, and there was general good order. Comon- 
fort was president of the Eepublic, with his head- 
quarters in the capitol, and he was growing in favor 
with the church party, and universally liked by the 
liberals. 



OHAPTEE XVIII. 

ABOUT this time war was declared by France against 
Mexico. The church party sided with the French, 
and their officers commenced raising troops to join the 
French army, which was soon expected to land at Yera 
Cruz. In this way they thought to avenge them- 
selves against the liberal party of Mexico for their 
continual defeats. Some of them went to Yera Cruz 
with their troops to welcome the arrival of these for- 
eign legions and offer their services. 

The liberals had immediate orders from President 
Comonfort to organize our troops and be in readiness 
to oppose the French. We marched out of the city of 
Mexico, under General Zaragosa, to meet the invaders 
at Puebla on the road from Yera Cruz ; and while 
waiting for the French to arrive we spent several weeks 
in fortifying the city and raising volunteers in the 
country around. Learning that the French were ad- 
vancing on Puebla, we moved out about four miles 
from the city and met the enemy in an open field. Our 
troops numbered fourteen thousand, and the French 
united with the traitors who had joined them, mus- 
tered twelve thousand. The engagement commenced 
about 10 o'clock in the morning and lasted until 3 p. m. 
General Zaragosa formed a part of his troops in a hol- 
low square in front of an eminence or hill, and a 
section of artillery was placed in the right hand corner 
of this square, of which I had command. A little to 
the left of my position was a high point which the 



WOUNDED IN THE BREAST. 277 

enemy endeavored to take by a flank movement. This 
attempt was frustrated by some pretty sharp shelling 
and sundry discharges of grape and canister which 
drove them back. General Zaragosa had placed in oar 
front in a ravine or low piece of ground, about fifteen 
hundred men, with orders to lay close to the ground ; 
and placed a scattering line of men in advance, and 
when the French made the assault these men rose up 
and poured in a destructive volley which gave us an 
opportunity to follow up with the artillery, killing a 
great number and causing the remainder to fall back. 
Twice the French advanced to gain this elevation where 
our light artillery were doing fearful damage in the 
enemy's ranks, and both times they were repulsed 
with great loss. General Zaragosa finally ordered the 
artillery to cease firing, and the infantry, including my 
support, to charge in front, sending the cavalry around 
to attack on the flank, when the enemy broke in disor- 
der and fled in the direction of Yera Cruz. I found 
after I had ceased firing that a number of my artillery- 
men were killed or disabled, one of whom, a sergeant, 
was wounded badly in the shoulder, and in my efforts 
to get him up and take him to a place of shelter, I was 
struck in the breast by a musket ball from the enemy, 
which broke the breast-bone ; and though the ball was 
nearly spent, owing to the extreme distance, I found 
myself completely disabled for want of breath. The 
ball took out a small piece, or patch from my uniform, 
and drove it into my breast, in front of the ball. By 
taking hold of the edges of this patch, I drew out the 
ball immediately. When our troops returned from the 
charge, I returned with my guns to Puebla, and the 
next day I went by stage to Mexico, where I was under 
surgical treatment six weeks. Our loss in this engage- 



278 RETURN TO MAZATLAN. 

ment was from five to six hundred, while the French 
and traitors lost over a thousand. 

After being confined to my room, in the officers 
quarters in Mexico, some ten days, I discovered one 
morning, on looking from my window, that the city was 
in mourning. Inquiring the cause, I learned that Gen- 
eral Zaragosa had died in the city of Puebla, which 
was sad news to me, as I considered him better quali- 
fied to command a large army than any other Mexican 
general. General Jose Maria Arteaga succeeded to the 
command of the liberal troops throughout Mexico. 

Puebla was occupied by our forces and properly 
fortified. The French received large accessions of 
fresh troops and soon returned to attack the city. After 
a siege of about six weeks, during which there was 
much hard fighting, our troops were starved out. 
Some four thousand of them fought their way out and 
returned to the city of Mexico, while the remainder 
were forced to surrender conditionally, and after being 
disarmed, they were at liberty to go to their homes. 
Many of them, however, found their way to the cap- 
ital. (This was in 1862 or 1863). My next movement 
was to request to be transferred to my old field of oper- 
ations at Mazatlan, for my health was poor and I pre- 
ferred the air of the coast. My request was granted, 
and my friend, Colonel Orosca, and an escort of 
fifty men were allowed to accompany me, and we made 
our trip through the State of Durango, where we were 
in hopes to gather many volunteers to go with us to 
Mazatlan. We were several days recruiting in Duran- 
go, and several weeks elapsed before we arrived at 
Mazatlan. Meantime, the French had got possession 
of Mazatlan, coming around in war vessels. We found 
our forces there much scattered and disheartened, their 



TREACHERY OF LANBERG. 279 

stock of arms and ammunition running very low. 
General Morales had left with a part of the troops and 
gone to Sonora, leaving General Corona in command. 
By uniting our forces, including several hundred fresh 
troops who came from Durango with us, we made the 
French some trouble, and by intrenching ourselves out- 
side the city, we bombarded them occasionally, but 
made no direct assault. 

We fortunately got information of a pack-mule train, 
soon to arrive from the mountains, loaded with silver, 
and destined for shipment from Mazatlan. It was an 
easy task for us to overpower the escort and capture 
the silver bars, which were worth two hundred thou- 
sand dollars. Governor Pesquiera ordered the money to 
be laid out for arms and supplies for our troops. A 
coasting vessel was procured, and General Lanberg was 
commissioned to take the money to San Francisco and 
purchase arms, ammunition, &c, for our use. After 
waiting patiently several weeks, we found that he had 
returned with the arms, &c, and being a friend of Max- 
imilian, and one of his countrymen, had turned traitor 
to us and handed over the arms and government stores 
to the French. Our situation was getting desperate ; 
but we concluded to continue the siege of Mazatlan, 
with some hope of retaking the city, if we could cut 
off their supplies, which they received by water. We 
were already capturing all the cattle which their agents 
picked up back in the country, and we usually shot 
those of the French who were bold enough to try to 
run .through our lines to bring in such stock. 
One party of one hundred and eighty French were 
captured by us one day, and, as we had no use for 
prisoners, we shot nearly all of them. Among those 
that we spared was a Captain Louis RonSey, who 



280 EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS. 

plead for his life, saying he was as good a liberal as 
any of us, but was forced into the imperial service by 
his connections. He gave his sword to General Corona, 
who took him at his word, remarking he was the first 
Frenchman he ever dared to trust. In this case the 
clemency extended to him was well rewarded ; for he 
fought on our side from that day till the conclusion of 
the war, and was a brave and trustworthy officer. 

Learning that the French were about to land some 
troops at Altata, at the mouth of the Culiacan river, I 
was detailed to go with a force of five hundred men, 
under General Eosales, to that point. About one 
thousand French were landed from a man of war, and 
they had no idea of there being any liberals in the 
vicinity. They marched at once for Culiacan ; and 
when at a small village within about nine miles, they 
were attacked by the liberals, who lay in ambush for 
them. Our cavalry were secreted to attack them in the 
rear, when the fire from two small field-pieces under my 
charge should open in front. I had the guns posted so 
as to give a raking fire, as the French entered the vil- 
lage, and our men were scattered along on both sides of 
the roadway for some distance. They were totally sur- 
prised and routed, losing about eighty men killed and 
half their force was captured ; the remnant escaping 
back to Altata to their war vessel. As the French held 
many of our men prisoners at Mazatlan, we made an 
exchange with them, and thus I saw again some of my 
old friends who were taken at the capture of Mazatlan. 

From an American that we captured among the 
prisoners, in the last engagement, we learned that the 
French, at Mazatlan, had sent an order by the steamer 
John L. Stevens, to San Francisco, for rifles, cavalry, 
saddles, slothing, provisions, and forage. We knew 



CAPTURE OF SUPPLIES. 281 

of a fine coasting schooner in the river, near Altata, 
and finding that the French vessel had left that port 
with their troops, we planned an expedition to meet the 
John L. Stevens on her return trip, and seize the goods, 
for she had no armament, being a passenger steamer. 
Our plan suited General Corona, who dispatched my 
friend Colonel Norton and myself with a six pounder 
and a suitable force of well armed men, on the mission, 
with strict orders to respect the rights of the passengers, 
if we came across the steamer. We took the schooner 
without difficulty and made across the Gulf of Cali- 
fornia to the port of La Paz, where the steamer was to 
make a landing. After cruising about several days, 
we espied the steamer about fifteen miles from La Paz. 
We had divulged our plan to the liberals of that port, 
who promised to aid us. When the steamer made the 
landing, we ran alongside, and, boarding her, com- 
manded the captain to deliver to us all that he had on 
board which belonged to the French. 

Great excitement prevailed on board among the pas- 
sengers, as they feared that we were outlaws and rob- 
bers ; but when we assured them that we only wanted 
the property of the French troops, that we knew was 
aboard, they became quiet. The captain immediately 
turned all the property over to us, which consisted of 
eight hundred rifles, many boxes of ammunition, two 
hundred cavalry saddles, baled hay, hard bread, salt 
pork, and other provisions, which were transferred to 
our schooner forthwith, and she was dispatched back 
across the gulf to Altata, where we had a force in wait- 
ing to receive the cargo. I procured a guard of liberals 
from La Paz, and remained on board with one of my men 
and about twenty of this guard to detain the steamer, 
so as to give time for our schooner to land at Altata 



282 PERILS OF LAND AND WATER. 

before she could possibly reach Guaymas, and enable 
the French to recapture the property, by sending a 
war vessel in pursuit. After staying on board twelve 
hours, and cautioning this friendly guard to detain the 
steamer twenty -four hours longer, I left in a small pilot 
boat, which our friends at La Paz furnished us, with 
my soldier friend for Altata. The gulf was smooth 
when we started, and we thought it safe enough to at- 
tempt the passage, as my friend was somewhat skilled 
in managing a boat. The night following a strong gale 
set in, and the storm increasing, we gave up all hopes 
of reaching the land, for our boat filled with water as 
fast as we could bail it out with our hats. We let her 
go scudding along before the wind at a tremendous rate, 
for we were completely at the mercy of the elements. 
The gale was from the south, and we were blown ashore, 
after being out about forty-eight hours, at Guaymas, two 
hundred and fifty miles up the coast of Sonora, above 
Altata, where we wanted to land. This truly was a 
sorry plight to be in ; for the French held possession 
of Guaymas and the steamer would soon be here, after 
our friendly guard of liberals at La Paz released her. 
On arriving in the harbor, our boat was taken from 
us, and we were arrested and taken before the French 
commander, General Gardinelle, who asked us where 
we were from. I replied, "from Lower California, " 
which was the truth. The captain of the port was a 
traitor, and was formerly acquainted with me, as we 
served together in the liberty cause against the church, 
but did not know that I was in the service of the lib- 
erty party now against the French ; and proving 
nothing against us, we were discharged on condition 
that we did not leave town. The French guards encir- 
cled the place, and it was no easy matter to escape ; 



RUNNING THE GUARD. 283 

but I knew the steamer would be likely to arrive the 
next day, when the story of our robbery of their vessel 
would cause a tumult, and we should be hung forth- 
with, or shot as pirates. I informed my comrade that 
we must escape that night or run a fearful risk ; and he 
replied that he should remain, because the danger of 
running the guards was the greatest. I bade him adieu, 
and told him to secrete himself, for I should make the 
attempt. Lucky enough for me that we parted, for we 
never could have got away together. 

The next morning, about daybreak, I was walking in 
the outskirts of the city, when I found a Mexican 
shepherd boy engaged in milking a number of goats. 
I stepped into the pen and proposed to assist him in 
driving his goats out of the city ; also offered him a 
a dollar to exchange his cap for my hat, and trade 
blankets with me, which he accepted. After we had 
made the change, and he had put up his milk, we 
started the goats for the pastures on the high hills be- 
yond the guards, back of the city, and passed the 
guard without being questioned. ^^Vvlien we reached 
the top of the hill, I looked back towards the sea, and 
in the distance noticed the smoke of the steamer ap- 
proaching ; and I thanked fortune for my escape, and 
thanked my Creator, too, for a sufficient stock of wits 
to get me out of a bad scrape. I changed the cap back 
for my hat, telling the boy it was a tight fit. Then I 
started in a northerly direction down the hills, travel- 
ing towards Hermosillo, some seventy -five miles to the 
north, where I knew we had a force of liberals. After 
proceeding a few miles I came to a Mexican ranche, 
where I obtained some provisions and continued my 
tramp for three and a half days, till I arrived near 
Puebla de Ceres, almost exhausted, having crossed a 
19 



284 PKIMITIVE NAVIGATION. 

country of barren plains and hills with only an occa- 
sional settlement. I was still separated from Hermo- 
sillo by a river, which is almost dry in a dry season, 
but now it was so swollen with rains that I could not 
ford it, and there were no boats that I knew of. The 
people of Puebla de Ceres were unfriendly to our cause, 
and I dared not show myself for fear of arrest ; so I 
remained near the river waiting for it to fall. 

At the expiration of two days, the river -still con- 
tinued high, when I was informed by a passing Mexican 
mail-carrier that General Gardinelle, with his French 
troops, was on the march from Guaymas to Hermosillo 
and would arrive, probably, the next day. Here I was 
in another hard place ; the river with its swift, muddy 
waters in front, and the same enemy in my rear that 
came near hanging me at Guaymas. I walked up and 
down the banks till I found a log which I thought 
might carry me safely over. This was my only chance, 
for there was no friend within hailing distance on the 
opposite shore. The river was about a half a mile 
wide, in its swollen state, covering over a wide extent 
of bush and chaparral on the other shore. I divested 
myself of clothing, and put some papers, &c, in a 
large bandanna handkerchief, which I tied around my 
waist ; then making a bundle of my clothing, in which 
I enclosed about twenty -five dollars, I fastened it to my 
head and mounted the log, which was about eight feet 
in length and a foot thick, determined to paddle myself 
across to the other shore if possible. When about 
midway in the river, the swift current caused my log 
to roll over with me, and my bundle of clothing got 
loose from my head and floated down stream. Holding 
to my log as best I could, I succeeded in reaching a 
bunch of willows, growing in the stream. Here I rested 



UNPLEASANTLY SITUATED. 285 

a while, and then made another attempt, and reached 
shallow water and bnshes on the opposite bank, when 
I easily reached the high ground. Here I sat down 
and contemplated my situation, which was rather a 
gloomy one. My clothes and money were gone, and I 
knew not what to do. I had an acquaintance living in 
Hermosillo, a Mr. Douglass, employed in the mint, and 
another friend, a Mr. Hale, an American, who was a 
wagon-maker. After a while a Mexican boy passed 
near by. I hailed him and inquired if he knew these 
gentlemen. He informed me that he did, and I prom- 
ised to reward him if he would bring either of them to 
me. He returned in a short time, bringing both of my 
friends, who were surprised to find me in such a situa- 
tion, and asked how I came in such a fix. I gave them 
a brief history of my misfortunes, when Mr. Douglass 
left me, and it was not long before he returned with a 
new suit of clothes. We then in company proceeded 
to the hotel, where I obtained refreshments, and was 
soon entirely recovered from the effects of my trip. I 
was also furnished with an ounce of gold by Mr. 
Douglass. Here I was informed that there were about 
four hundred liberal troops in Hermosillo, under the 
command of Colonel Corea. I went to the colonel and 
informed him of my adventures, and of the expected 
arrival of the French troops. He told me the governor 
had about eight hundred troops in the capital at Ures, 
and that he was going to march his troops at once to 
the aid of the governor. After offering my services, I 
was placed by him in charge of two twelve pounder how- 
itzers, and we started for the capital. At this crisis the 
French forces came in sight on the opposite bank of 
the river, but could not cross on account of the high 
stage of the water. On our way to the capital we had 



u 



286 TAKEN PRISONER. 

an attack from some seven hundred traitors and half- 
breeds, under the lead of a famous Indian chief, by 
the name of Tannery, who had raised this force in favor 
of the French. This occurred the night before reach- 
ing Ures, about 1 o' clock in the morning, at a Mexican 
ranche called Palma de le N~oria. 

I had advised our colonel to lay over here and await 
the approach of some cavalry, which we expected the 
governor to send us, as it was dangerous to proceed 
into the city with our weak numbers, in view of the 
large number of the enemy who were hovering about 
the capital, waiting to cut off reinforcements. The 
colonel, however, refused my advice and passed the 
ranche some four hundred yards, when, from among 
the trees and brush by the road, these Indians and 
Mexicans gave us a volley from their guns and rushed 
upon us. The colonel and most of the men were so 
surprised that they broke for the woods. I had com- 
menced firing with my howitzers when I was surround- 
ed and ordered to surrender, and was taken prisoner 
with about a hundred others. The remainder of our 
men escaped. The prisoners were then marched to the 
capital, where, upon arrival, we learned that the gov- 
ernor and his troops had been driven from that city. 
Here we were thrown into the city prison, called the 
" Correccion," where I remained about two weeks, 
when we were informed that the French troops, under 
Gardinelle, had left Hermosillo, and were on their way 
to Ures, the capital. Again I considered my life in 
danger from these murderous frog-eating French in- 
vaders, who were scouring the country to reduce it to 
subjection. Once I had escaped them by running their 
guards at Guaymas, and again by swimming the river 
on a log at Hermosillo ; and now I was shut up in a 



FRIENDLY GUARD. 287 

prison where they were sure to find me on their arrival, 
and my life would not be worth a "real." To add to 
my alarm, a friendly sergeant who had charge of the 
prison guard, told me that the French were expected 
the next day. 

I had a friend in Ures, a Doctor Wallace, and I suc- 
ceeded in sending him a note requesting him to send me 
thirty -five dollars, which he immediately did ; and that 
night I had a splendid supper, with wines and liquors 
sent to me by Doctor Wallace, and I invited the ser- 
geant and corporal of the guard to sup with me, and 
they accepted my invitation. I then had a secret con- 
versation with the sergeant and described to him my 
delicate and dangerous situation, telling him that if 
the French commander found me here the next day, I 
should be shot ; and if he would assist me in escaping 
I would give him all the money I had. He then told 
me that the officer of the guard had been drinking, and 
that he should fill that position after 12 o'clock, and he 
would then assist me to escape. At about 1 o' clock the 
officer was asleep. The sergeant then being in charge, 
he furnished me with a rifle and twenty-four cartridges. 
Giving his orders to change the guard, he told me in 
what direction to travel. Dressing me as a soldier, he 
took me outside with the relief guard, as if to station 
me on a post. When a favorable moment arrived, he 
silently bade me adieu, and I started in the darkness, 
after placing my purse in his hand, which he received 
with "mucho gracias," or many thanks. I started 
northward towards Arizona whither Governor Pesquiera 
and his troops had been driven, doing some very tall 
traveling, as the danger of my being retaken was up- 
permost in my mind. 

On the sixth day after leaving, I laid down to sleep 



288 REBUKE TO A COWAED. 

at some old ruins not many miles distant from Santa 
Cruz. After starting again I had not proceeded far, 
when, in passing through some tall weeds and grass, I 
overheard some conversation which I found proceeded 
from seven Apache Indians. I hid myself in the grass 
and they soon passed by at no great distance without 
noticing me. That afternoon I reached a small settle- 
ment, called Santa Cruz, my shoes completely worn 
out, and my feet blistered, and I was about half-fam- 
ished for want of suitable food. I remained here one 
day and night, and, procuring a buckskin, I made my- 
self a coarse pair of moccasins. 

From the Mexicans here I learned that the governor 
had crossed over into Arizona. I then hired a man and 
a donkey to take me to the governor, who was camped 
in the woods in Arizona. The journey occupied near- 
ly three days. I rode the donkey, and the man drove 
it, following behind on foot, occasionally spurring 
him up with a sharp stick, for he was the slowest beast 
I ever rode, and was so small that my feet nearly 
touched the ground. 

When I arrived at the governor's quarters, I must 
have presented a ridiculous appearance ; but announc- 
ing myself in a loud tone, the governor came out of his 
tent, with other friends and officers, giving me a warm 
welcome. Colonel Corea, who had deserted me at the 
ranche below Ures, when the Indian Tannery attacked 
and gobbled up those who were brave enough to stand 
their ground, came around to see me. He and his men 
had followed in the wake of the governor and were here 
encamped. I refused to shake hands with him, accus- 
ing him of cowardice and laying the whole blame of 
the disaster on him. He retired from my presence and 
always shunned me after that. When I narrated my 



INTERVIEW WITH COLONEL LEWIS. 289 

hardships and hair-breadth escapes to the governor, he 
was surprised, and pronounced my trip a hard one 
and my escapes as miraculous. 

I stayed with the governor four days, during which 
we had frequent interviews, and I advised him to seek 
the protection of the United States' troops at the Fort 
of Calibasa, which was about three days' march from 
his camp. Governor Pesquiera said that all he wanted 
was arms and ammunition to enable him to raise addi- 
tional volunteers and return to the capital at Ures. I 
told him that Colonel Lewis, commanding at Fort Cali- 
basa, would probably assist him with the necessary 
supplies ; for we all knew that United States troops all 
sympathized with the cause of the liberals. In ac- 
cordance with my further advice, he immediately 
moved his camp towards Calibasa, taking his family, 
his officers, and all the troops ; and we halted within 
ten miles of the fort to confer with Colonel Lewis be- 
fore advancing further. We camped here that night, 
and the next day the governor sent me with an armed 
escort to the fort, to see Colonel Lewis and obtain as- 
sistance, or, at least, get his protection, and permission 
to establish a recruiting rendezvous at this point. 

I proceeded to the fort and delivered my message to 
Colonel Lewis, and we discussed matters at some length. 
I detailed to the colonel as well as I was able, how ut- 
terly impossible it would be for the French to establish 
a monarchy that would stand permanently against the 
will of the common classes — that Mexico aimed to be a 
republic, after the example of the United States, and in 
such- an emergency as this, when the eyes of the world 
were viewing this contest, and regarding it as a final 
settlement of the question whether republicanism could 
succeed in a half-civilized country, we really needed 



290 DEATH OF PESQUIERA'S WIFE. 

the sympathy, and, if possible, the aid of our powerful 
sister republic. I also pictured to Colonel Lewis how 
the great statesmen of the United States had generally 
acquiesced in the Monroe doctrine of no crowned heads 
on this continent, and no interference from the crowned 
heads of Europe. After considerable discussion, Col- 
onel Lewis informed me that his first duty was allegi- 
ance to the United States Government ; but that what I 
had said fully agreed with his sentiments in regard to 
Mexico, and if we wanted any assistance we could have 
it. Colonel Lewis told me to say to Governor Pesqui- 
era that he would come out with his staff the next day, 
meet us on the road, accompany us into the fort, and do 
all in his power to make us comfortable. 

I then returned and informed the governor that 
Colonel Lewis requested that he should proceed to the 
fort and he would receive him with pleasure. The fol- 
lowing day we advanced towards the fort, and when 
some five miles distant we met Colonel Lewis with his 
staff, several of his officers, and a band of music, when 
I introduced him to the governor and his family. We 
continued on to the fort, where we found the troops 
formed in line to welcome us, and we met with a cor- 
dial reception. Arrangements were made for the ac- 
commodation of the governor and his family, his 
officers and men. 

We remained here some two months ; meantime, the 
governor and family went to Fort Tubac, some twenty 
miles distant on the river. The governor and wife were 
both taken sick and she died in four days. Her death 
was lamented by all the troops, who regarded her as a 
sort of mother, from her universal kindness and genial 
nature. Her body was embalmed and placed in a 
sepulchre in the cathedral at Tamacacari. The gov- 



COMPULSORY CONTRIBUTION. 291 

ernor was well cared for and finally recovered. Soon 
after, at the request of Governor Pesquiera, I took com- 
mand of five hundred troops, with orders to proceed to 
Sonora and attack a force of Imperialists and Mexicans 
that were the terror and scourge of the people in the 
northern part of the state ; they had their head-quar- 
ters at a town called Magdalena, and were about four 
hundred in number. I encamped my troops at Santa 
Cruz and went alone to Magdalena in the disguise of a 
trader or merchant, to learn the condition and situation 
of the enemy, where I stayed twelve hours, and then 
returned to my camp without being detected. We then 
made preparations to attack the town, and surround- 
ing it the next night, we commenced the attack about 
daybreak, which resulted in the capture of all their 
arms and ammunition, killing about fifty and taking 
about sixty prisoners. Our loss was three men killed 
and five wounded. We also captured one hundred 
and fifty cavalry horses. 

I then commenced getting new recruits and arming 
new men. I was informed that the priest of Magdalena 
was furnishing means to sustain the enemy' s troops. I 
ordered this priest before me, and from citizens of the 
place it was proven that he had done so. I then or- 
dered him to furnish me with ten thousand dollars for 
the benefit of the liberal cause in his district, or be 
starved in prison. After two days' confinement he con- 
cluded to pay the amount, when I released him. 

Learning that the Indian fighter, Tannery, was rais- 
ing troops to attack me, I organized my men as quickly 
as possible, having now about seven hundred, and pro- 
ceeded to meet Tannery. We had a skirmish at a place 
called Carnaro, in a very thick piece of brush, where we 
fought some two hours with about equal numbers on 



\ 



292 GENERAL LANBERG HEARD FROM. 

each side, when each party became frightened and re- 
treated, with small loss to either side. Our panic was 
caused by having so many raw troops, which demor- 
alized the whole, and they scattered over the country 
so badly that I was not afterwards able to collect over 
four hundred of them, all told, which caused me a 
great loss in horses, arms, and ammunition. I return- 
ed with my four hundred troops to Fort Calibasa, in 
Arizona, and reported to Governor Pesquiera. I 
found him still in feeble health, and he expressed him- 
self satisfied with my report. In a day or two after, a 
mail carrier brought a dispatch stating that the French 
had returned to Guaymas, which was their base of 
supplies for the state of Sonora ; also, that John Coly, 
my comrade who refused to escape from Guaymas with 
me, was finally caught and shot. Colonel Lewis, of 
the fort, now informed Governor Pesquiera that he 
had received a quantity of arms and ammunition from 
the United States government, and being overstocked, 
we could have all we wanted, by making proper pay- 
ment, &c. We also had news that General Lanberg, 
who had deserted our cause when we sent him for 
arms to San Francisco, had been appointed to the com- 
mand of the imperial forces in Sonora. Lanberg was 
an Austrian, and a particular friend of Maximilian, 
who had arrived now in Mexico and proclaimed him- 
self emperor. The war had been conducted more than 
a year before Maximilian usurped the reins of govern- 
ment, and this traitor was thus rewarded for his 
treachery to us. We never called him a great general, 
but he was often termed the Austrian butcher, for he 
was inhuman to prisoners. 

Soon after this, the Apache Indians made a raid 
upon us at the fort, taking all our horses, except ten. 



MATTEKS OF ENCOUKAGEMENT. 293 

We then pursued the Indians several days and recap- 
tured most of our horses. When we returned we 
found that Colonel Lewis had turned over to Governor 
Pesquiera two thousand rifles and ammunition for the 
liberals. Dispatches were at once sent all over Sonora, 
to our recruiting agents, promising them that Governor 
Pesquiera would return to the capital at once if the 
proper forces of volunteers could be raised ; and at the 
fort we had encouraging dispatches daily in reply, for 
the people were aroused ; and before long we mustered 
three thousand troops, when we started on the march 
for Sonora, the governor taking command. 

Before we reached Hermosillo, we got information 
that reinforcements, composed of two thousand in- 
fantry and a regiment of cavalry, were on the way 
from lower Mexico to assist our cause. At Hermosillo 
we met these troops, who were commanded by General 
Alcontra, — the cavalry by General Martinez, who was 
a perfect terror to the French, and his regiment was 
called the cavalry of the Macheteros, from the fact that 
they all carried short swords, or machetes, which they 
wielded with terrible effect ; and their leader, Martinez, 
was a brigand, or desperado, everywhere noted for his 
rough style of fighting. His men were chiefly outlaws, 
gathered from various prisons, and cared not for which 
party they fought so much as for the money they got. 
Their motto while fighting for us was war to the death 
and no quarter given or asked. 

Reinforced with these troops, our army was indeed 
formidable, and ready for an action if the enemy ap- 
peared. About the 4th of May, 1865, being encamped 
two miles from Hermosillo, we were attacked by the 
traitor, General Lanberg and his troops, aided by a 
considerable party of Indians and Mexicans under 



294 A EICH PEISONEK. 

Tannery, the Indian chief. The battle commenced 
about three o'clock, P. M., and was finished after dark, 
both parties claiming the victory ; but we held the po- 
sition, while Lanberg retreated to Ures, the capital, 
with all his forces. The loss was about three hundred 
on each side, in killed and wounded. Among the 
prisoners we took was a rich Mexican, named Don 
Juan Enigo, who had done much to help the traitors ; 
and as we were in want of money, Governor Pesquiera 
informed Enigo that he could have his liberty by pay- 
ing over the sum of twenty -five thousand dollars with- 
in fifteen days, and if the money was not forthcoming 
in that time he would be shot. Meantime we marched 
from Hermosillo to Rione, where we established our- 
selves to recruit, in preparation for a great battle which 
we anticipated would soon come off at the capital. 
Juan Enigo, in reply to the demand of the governor, 
said he could raise a part of the money, and pay the 
balance in mules ; and if an officer would accompany 
him to his ranche, back almost to Hermosillo, with a 
proper guard, the mules and money should be forth- 
coming. Governor Pesquiera accepted the proposal, 
and detailed me with an escort of twelve men, to go on 
this mission. I told the governor I thought the trip 
dangerous with so few men, but thinking I could raise 
addititional men to assist us on the return, we started 
off. On arriving at the ranche of Enigo, he took us 
into his store and paid over the sum of eight thousand 
dollars in gold, and proceeding to his farm he allowed 
us to select two hundred mules, with which we started 
at once for our camp. On our return, at about eight 
o'clock in the evening, we were surprised to see camp 
fires at a short distance from our path, which was through 
a ravine, and I sent a sergeant to ascertain who they were 



BENEFITS OF STPwATEGY. 295 

— whether friends or foes. He returned with a report 
that they were a sconting party of Indians, nnder Tan- 
nery. They were aroused by the noise of our mules, 
and came forward cautiously to ascertain our strength, 
and attack us if expedient. I decided to retreat to Her- 
mosillo, if I could do no better. Having several mules 
heavily laded with packs, I consigned their loads to a 
deep hollow near the road, headed the mules for Hermo- 
sillo, divided my party into two squads, giving orders 
that one should drive the mules with all haste to Her- 
mosillo, while the other would stay back and detain 
the Indians. As the road was narrow, running through 
cane brake and chaparral, we could in this way keep 
the Indians at bay, and save the mules. As the Indi- 
ans came up, I shot the horse of the leader and killed 
him, and then commenced giving orders as though I 
had a large force of men. The noise made by the re- 
treating mules helped on the deception, and the Indi- 
ans evidently thinking there was a large force just out 
of their sight, beat a hasty retreat ; and we were only 
too glad to retire in the opposite direction. About 
daybreak I was rejoiced to discover a small party of 
mounted men in the distance, who proved to be caval- 
rymen in the liberal cause. On meeting them, we 
stopped a short time for breakfast, and to discuss the 
news ; and learned from them that they were on their 
way to thefcapital, to join Pesquiera, and that a battle 
was momentarily expected there. We decided to keep 
company with them, and join our force there. After 
traveling that day in company, not without some fear 
of the enemy, for our party only numbered twenty- six 
men, we slept that night in the mountains, and arrived 
the next noon in sight of our forces, who were about 
two miles from Ures, and were engaged in a hot fight 



296 BATTLE NEAK URES. 

with Lanberg' s troops and Tannery' s Indians. The en- 
emy were between us and Governor Pesquiera' s forces. 
When they discovered us they attempted to cut us off ; 
and firing upon our party, one of our horses was shot 
under its rider. We took up our dismounted friend, 
and succeeded in getting around out of reach of the 
enemy's shots, and safely reached a knoll where some 
of our artillery were posted. In coming so suddenly 
on our friends we came near being shot as enemies, but 
by our signs and shouting they recognized us and were 
glad of our assistance, and in less than five minutes we 
were at work. Governor Pesquiera' s troops numbered 
about five thousand five hundred, and were command- 
ed by Generals Garcia Morales, Alcontra, and Marti- 
nez. The enemy numbered about the same, and fought 
with desperation ; for both sides knew full well that 
prisoners were no object, and it was almost certain 
death to fall into each other' s hands. Governor Pes- 
quiera was fighting to get possession again of the capital, 
and regarded this battle as the turning point in Sonora. 
If defeated now he was ruined, and therefore every 
man was urged to do his best to gain this battle. The 
Macheteros under Martinez were engaged in a terrible 
contest with Tannery's Indians. When Morales saw 
that I had arrived on the field he gave me the com- 
mand of two howitzers, with twenty-four artillerymen, 
and one hundred and fifty infantry as supports, with 
orders to hasten around up a narrow lane and pour in 
a raking flank fire on Tannery' s Indians. They were 
mostly mounted men, and their unearthly yelling in- 
spired the whole of the enemy' s force with enthusiasm. 
In starting up this lane, I used shell for awhile, then 
approaching nearer I used grape and cannister, driving 
the Indians and killing large numbers. I overheard 



A TEOPHY. 297 

one of their officers, a Mexican, say to his men as he 
pointed to me : ' ' Shoot that American captain ; he is 
doing all this mischief." He was behind one of the 
cottonwood trees which skirted the road, and when he 
showed his head a moment later, I dropped him, at a 
distance of thirty yards or more, with my Texan six- 
shooter. I saw him fall, and what is more, I have now 
in nse the belt he wore on that occasion. 

We drove them before ns like sheep, and scattered 
them in all directions. On arriving at the end of the 
lane, I saw General Lanberg and his adjutant, both 
lying dead; and Martinez's cavalry just then coming 
tip, they pnt a lasso around the general's neck and 
dragged him some distance and hung him up to the 
limb of a small tree so that his toes touched the 
ground. 

A heavy thunder storm burst upon us as the enemy 
were fleeing, with our cavalry in pursuit, cutting them 
up unmercifully ; and as it rained in torrents, becom- 
ing quite dark, I ceased firing, and remained on the 
ground till daybreak, keeping my ammunition as dry 
as possible, not knowing whether we should be attack- 
ed again or not. Before sunrise, I found that we had 
cut the enemy all to pieces, and I received orders to re- 
turn to head-quarters, and march into the city. On 
arriving in the city I saw that part of our troops were 
there already, and had got intoxicated, were breaking 
into houses, &c, and especially some men who joined 
us from Fort Calabasa were committing all manner of 
depredations. Orders were then given to go into bar- 
racks and make ourselves as comfortable as possible, 
and preparations were made to bury the dead. 

Our loss in the battle was about four hundred and 
eighty killed and wounded. That of the enemy was 



298 JUAREZ AT ZACATECAS. 

nearly a thousand ; and Martinez' s cavalry pursued 
them for miles, killing many officers and men ; and 
whenever they overtook an Indian, he was cut and 
hacked to pieces. On their return they hung up the 
dead bodies to trees by the roadside. This decisive 
conflict turned the tide of affairs in our favor in Sono- 
ra, and Governor Pesquiera had things his own way 
afterwards. Throughout the Republic, wherever the 
news went, it cheered the hearts of the liberals. Dis- 
patches were sent Juarez, who succeeded Comonfort, 
and had been president since the disastrous siege and 
battle of Puebla. 

The head-quarters of Juarez were at Zacatecas, 
whither he had been driven by the French. Maximil- 
ian had possession of the city of Mexico, having en- 
tered the country early in the year (1865), and as 
emperor was reigning over the country like a tyrant. 
The announcement of the slaughter of the Austrian 
traitor, General Lanberg, the friend of Maximilian, 
with the flower of his army cut to pieces, and the utter 
defeat of Tannery's Indians, made the friends of lib- 
erty rejoice throughout the nation ; no doubt contrib- 
uting much to the downfall of Maximilian. Martinez's 
cavalry followed up this victory by scouring the state 
of Sonora, sweeping over it like a whirlwind ; scatter- 
ing the French and traitors everywhere ; leaving the 
French no foothold except at the port of Guaymas, 
which was defended, in part, by a man-of-war. 



OHAPTEE XIX. 

TO offset these successes in the northwest, Maximil- 
ian, aided by the traitor generals, Miramon, Mar- 
quez, and Mejia, had been victorious in a number of 
engagements in lower Mexico and the interior. 

In October, 1865, an infamous decree, called the 
" black flag decree," was issued by Maximilian, the 
first article of which provides that "all persons be- 
longing to armed bands or corps, not legally author- 
ized, whether they proclaim or not any political prin- 
ciples, and whatever be the number of those who 
compose the said bands, their organization, character, 
and denomination, shall be tried militarily by the 
courts martial, and if found guilty, even of the fact of 
belonging to the band, they shall be condemned to 
capital punishment within the twenty-four hours fol- 
lowing the sentence." This decree cost Maximilian 
his life two years after. Under its provisions, General 
Arteaga, commander-in-chief of the liberals, with Gen- 
eral Salazar, four colonels, five lieutenant-colonels, and 
several hundred prisoners were shot, having been sur- 
prised and captured in the state of Michoacan. This 
wholesale murder, contrary to all rules of civilized 
warfare, had the most damaging effect on the cause of 
Maximilian. When the news reached us in Sonora, 
every liberal was aroused to desperation, and resolved 
on vengeance. 

Soon after this decree, and while we were at Ures, 
the capital, we received dispatches stating that Presi- 
20 



300 FEENCH TEOOPS WITHDEAWN FEOM MEXICO. 

dent Juarez had been driven out of the country by his 
reverses, and forced to take shelter under the flag of 
the United States, at El Paso del Norte, on the Rio 
Grande river. Similar dispatches were sent by the 
president to the liberal governors of all the Mexican 
states, requesting them to raise money and volunteers 
to the extent of their ability, and unite in one common 
effort to drive the tyrant and usurper, Maximilian, 
from Mexican soil. 

President Juarez secured the services of two regi- 
ments, on the American side of the river, and recross- 
ing with them, drove the French, who had followed 
him nearly to the line, back into the interior ; and 
many of them retreated in such haste that they perish- 
ed on their way over the sand plains and barren hills. 
President Juarez established himself at Chihuahua, 
where he remained for a considerable time. General 
Escobedo was appointed by him to command the liber- 
als in Mexico, and this officer was so successful in re- 
organizing the army of the center, as it was called, that 
after a while Juarez ventured to return to Zacatecas, 
which city he fortified as his head-quarters. 

The next news of importance, after we had been fa- 
vored with a series of successful operations in Sonora, 
was that Louis Napoleon was about to withdraw the 
French troops from Mexico. The reason of this action 
of the French emperor was very easily to be seen. The 
civil war in the United States had closed, leaving the 
government in condition to enforce the Monroe dictrine, 
and Napoleon had been officially notified that no em- 
pire would be tolerated in Mexico ; he therefore con- 
cluded to withdraw from any interference tending to 
the establishment of such an empire, before he found 
himself in trouble with the United States government. 



S0X0EA CLEARED OF EXEMIES. 301 

Now, we were sure that victory, sooner or later, would 
perch upon our banners ; and the church party trem- 
bled for fear that Maximilian would not be able to 
sustain himself long after the evacuation by the 
French. 

We soon had orders for a portion of our troops to 
march on Guaymas, which was the only place in So- 
nora occupied by the enemy ; and we were instructed 
to clear the French out of that port without delay, if 
we found them in possession on our arrival. On our 
way down we captured six officers who had fought 
against us in the last battle at Ures. On arriving near 
the mouth of the Yagui river, we learned that the cele- 
brated Indian, Tannery, and some of his officers, had 
just embarked on a vessel for Lower California. We 
chartered another vessel, and a detachment pursued 
the fugitives, overtaking them and bringing them back 
without much difficulty. These, with the six officers 
taken on the way down from Ures, fifteen in all, were 
condemned to be shot in the back as traitors, while one 
French officer was shot in the breast. 

The French had mostly left Guaymas before our ap- 
proach, being mortally afraid of us, especially of the 
machetero cavalry. Their man-of-war still remained 
in port, with officers and some French troops on 
board. There were three United States war vessels — 
the St. Mary, the Suwannee, and the Cheyenne — then 
near at hand on the Pacific coast, sent there to protect 
American interests. 

One evening, while we were debating how to dispose 
of this French war steamer, and whether it would be 
feasible to blow her up by some torpedo arrangement, 
we were agreeably surprised to see the United States 
ironclad Suwannee arrive in port. The French vessel 



302 SERVICES OF A U. S. WAR VESSEL. 

lowered a boat and sent officers to board the strange 
vessel and learn her nationality and the object of her 
visit. The United States commander objected to a visit 
at that honr from the French officers, and asked them 
if that was all the business they had with him. Being 
answered in the affirmative, he told them that he had a 
notice to serve on them, which was that if that French 
war vessel was in the harbor the next day at four 
o'clock, he should open fire on her and sink her at 
once. The notice was all that was needed, for the next 
day the Frenchman weighed anchor, and departed for 
Mazatlan. The Suwannee followed closely after her 
to Mazatlan, where they were given twenty -four hours 
to remove some officers and men from that port ; then 
the Suwannee followed her down the coast past Aca- 
pulco, after which she returned to Mazatlan. 

The war now being ended in the state of Sonora, and 
there being an urgent necessity for reinforcements to 
go to central Mexico, to aid President Juarez, we began 
raising volunteers around Guaymas, for that purpose. 
We had a little difficulty with our cavalry general, 
Martinez, who demanded fifty thousand dollars of Gov- 
ernor Pesquiera for past services of his regiment of 
outlaws. The demand was refused by Governor 
Pesquiera, on the ground that his men had already 
made a good thing out of the war ; as many of them 
accumulated a large amount of money, for they stole 
every thing they could lay their hands on. Martinez 
threatened to steal the amount out of the Custom 
House if it was not forthcoming from Pesquiera ; but 
the matter was finally compromised ; not, however, till 
the governor had ordered out his troops, and a few 
drunken men of the cavalry were killed. Some 
months of quiet intervened, diversified with occasional 



MARCH FOR ZACATECAS. 303 

skirmishes in the mountains, scouting expeditions, &c. 
I then had orders to place four hundred men on board 
the steamer John L. Stevens, and go with them to 
Mazatlan, where General Corona held command. I 
remained at Mazatlan, after our arrival there, only a 
few weeks, before the general had a well organized 
force of three thousand troops all ready to start for 
the head- quarters of President Juarez, at Zacatecas, or 
of his army, under the command of General Escobedo. 

It may be well to state here that while these active 
operations had been in progress in Sonora, under the 
direction of Governor Pesquiera, General Morales, and 
others, General Ramon Corona had not been idle in 
Cinaloa. He had kept the French bottled up in Mazat- 
lan, month after month, and whenever they made a 
sortie beyond the fortifications, they were sure to be 
badly defeated. On two occasions they were terribly 
punished and cut up ; once at the Presido of Mazatlan, 
and again at Palos Prietos. 

General Corona commanded the expedition to Zaca- 
tecas in person ; and I, as captain of artillery, was 
placed in charge of two twenty -four-pounders, splen- 
did guns, and well manned by brave men. We were 
well mounted, well armed and provisioned ; in fact, 
felt competent to meet the French or the Mexican 
traitors anywhere. Taking Tepic in our route, we 
came suddenly upon a force of three or four thousand 
Indians, led by the crafty Indian chief, Lozado, who 
was in favor of the imperial cause. We attacked 
them, and the battle lasted the whole day, when they 
retreated to their favorite haunts in the mountains of 
Allico. Their loss was over eight hundred, while ours 
was not over two hundred men. We continued on to 
Guadalaxara, where we stopped for rest, and to gaiiL 



304 EXPLANATIONS. 

recruits, who came in daily in large numbers, and to 
wait for orders from head-quarters. We soon muster- 
ed a force of four thousand well drilled men, as our 
recruits had all seen service, more or less. Our artil- 
lery were in capital order, but the pieces were mostly 
light guns, for field service, and hardly adapted for 
siege work. 

As this narrative is not designed as a complete book 
of reference, nor to contain a history of all the milita- 
ry operations of the liberal party during these troubles, 
I have mainly endeavored to give an account of mat- 
ters that came under my personal observation. I knew 
but little of the generals who led our forces in central 
Mexico from the time of the siege and capture of Pu- 
ebla until we had cleaned the French out of Sonora 
and Cinaloa. Many of the names of prominent men 
mentioned in this narrative may be incorrectly spelled, 
as I have endeavored to give the spelling from the 
sound, which can not always be correctly done with 
Spanish names any more than with English. 

I knew by the reports that they had occasional re- 
verses and occasional successes or victories over the 
combined forces of the Mexican traitors and the foreign 
legions of Maximilian. I never doubted the adminis- 
trative talent of President Juarez, nor the ability of 
General Escobedo, both of whom were nobly fitted for 
their positions, judging from the results. The justness 
of our cause, and the sympathy of our sister republic 
of the United States, gave us encouragement at all 
times, and aided the liberals in their days of darkness 
and discouragement. 

At this time, March, 1867, Maximilian's cause was 
rapidly sinking. The French troops had left Mexico, 
;and he was forced to rely mainly on the troops of 



CAKLOTTA'S ADVICE TO MAXIMILIAN. 305 

Miramon and Mejia for support, and greatly overesti- 
mated their power in thinking they could uphold him. 
If he had followed the advice of Carlotta, his wife, and 
left Mexico with the French troops, it would have been 
far better for him. She told him before she left Mexi- 
co, that he had better leave with her, for if he stayed 
she feared he would never see her again, and, for her 
part, she would prefer to give a part of her vast prop- 
erty for the education of this ignorant nation, than have 
the empty credit of ruling over them. The aristocratic 
tendencies, and the royal connections of this vain pre- 
tender decided him to make a stand and fight the libe- 
rals with the aid of the traitors and church party. 
Maximilian was now fortified at Queretaro, with about 
ten thousand troops. President Juarez had his head- 
quarters at Zacatecas, depending for support on the 
army of Escobedo, which was encamped a number of 
miles distant. Maximilian sent Miramon, with the 
flower of his army, to Zacatecas, to attack the city 
and capture Juarez, if psssible. They had nearly 
succeeded in this, when Escobedo, by a forced march, 
arrived with his army to the relief of Zacatecas, and 
routed Miramon' s troops, who retreated in a panic, and 
with great loss, toward Queretaro. Escobedo' s army, 
joined with some liberal troops under General Castillo, 
and after pursuing them about thirty miles, surround- 
ed the imperialists, when they were nearly all killed 
or dispersed, Miramon barely escaping with his life, 
having only a feeble remnant of his followers left when 
he arrived at Queretaro. 

Just prior to this attack on Zacatecas, General Coro- 
na had received orders to march for that place, and 
had been marching for two days, with all haste, when 
additional dispatches came, announcing the victory of 



306 BATTLE OF QUERETAKO. 

the liberals at Zacatecas, and ordering us to hasten 
forward to Queretaro. By a forced march, General 
Corona's force, numbering about four thousand, ar- 
rived at Queretaro, the first week in April, 1867, just 
in time to participate in the last grand engagement 
which ended imperialism on this continent. ^We took 
a position on the high ground to the south of the city, 
while the American Legion, under Regules, occupied 
the west, and General Escobedo' s army were on the 
heights to the east and north-east of the city. 

General Ramon Corona was destined to be the hero 
of this siege. Our position was in full view of the old 
convent of Las Cruces and within easy range. This 
was an immense stone structure with walls of great 
thickness, and here Maximilian made his head-quarters. 
The bombardment commenced in earnest and was con- 
tinued for three days with little cessation. Meantime, 
General Corona had given me a position with my two 
twenty -four pounders on an eminence where every shot 
would tell, but he discovered and so did I, and so re- 
ported the first day that my guns were too light to bat- 
ter the convent walls as I wished. He gave me orders 
to start for Zelaya, forty miles distant, with a strong 
escort, and bring two heavy siege guns, forty-eight 
pounders, which I did, and planted them in position. 
These heavy guns worked successfully, making many 
breaches in the walls of the convent. 

General Lopez had a force of Austrians, a few French 
and some Mexicans defending the convent, as a sort of 
body-guard for Maximilian ; and my heavy guns de- 
molished such buildings as they sought refuge in. 
Other batteries surrounding the city were engaged in 
an incessant fire, destroying buildings and demolish- 
ing walls and obstructions, opening the way for the 



THE WHITE FLAG EAISED. 307 

liberals, who had already gained possession of a part 
of the city and were often engaged in hand to hand 
conflicts with the imperialists in the streets. On the 
fourteenth of May, about 4 o' clock in the morning, we 
lodged a shell in the magazine at Las Cruces, which 
exploded it, doing great damage and killing many. 
The enemy made a sortie under the lead of Miramon, 
intending to drive back General Corona, who, with his 
advance guard and a strong support of infantry, had 
entered the cemetery and were fighting their way to- 
wards the fortress of Las Cruces. After falling back a 
little, General Corona was reinforced and drove the 
enemy back into the city with great slaughter, and had 
nearly surrounded Maximilian' s head-quarters, when 
the enemy surrendered and the firing ceased. Maxi- 
milian came out of the fortress, and the white flag was dis- 
played. On his appearance he was approached by 
Colonel Green, of the American Legion, who urged 
him to be calm, as he was very much excited. Maxi- 
milian stood in great fear of the liberal soldiers, as well 
he might, when he thought of the "Black Flag De- 
cree," and desired to surrender his sword to, and claim 
the protection of the commanding officer, as a prisoner 
of war. He was directed to General Corona by Colo- 
nel Green. As he walked on towards Corona, who, 
with his staff, were mounted, and were rapidly sur- 
rounding the emperor with the troops, I had a good 
view of Maximilian, for I had ridden up in haste and 
sat on my horse almost in his pathway. As he passed 
me he was a little in doubt as to which was Corona, 
and, turning his head, he asked me to point him out. 
I replied in English that General Ramon Corona was 
the one who was mounted on the grey horse. He start- 
ed in surprise at my reply, and asked me if I was an 



i 



308 SURRENDER OF MAXIMILIAN. 

American, and I answered that I was. He then passed 
np to Corona, and, presenting his sword, said, " I am 
Maximilian. I am emperor no longer, but your pris- 
oner." General Corona, as he received the sword, re- 
plied, "No, Maximilian, you are not now emperor, 
and never were." 

Maximilian' s troops now began the work of disarm- 
ing, and our men ransacked the convent and other 
buildings adjacent, to find Miramon and Mejia. They 
seized Miramon, and would have hung him but for the 
interference of General Corona, who insisted that he 
should have a trial, according to the laws of Mexico, 
and be punished with other traitors in a proper manner. 
Mejia was. soon caught, and these three important 
prisoners were confined in an old convent, and kept 
under a strong guard. General Corona, after a confer- 
ence with General Escobedo, sent a dispatch to Presi- 
dent Juarez, reporting the results of this siege, and 
requesting advice in the matter. In reply to this dis- 
patch, the president appeared at Queretaro in person ; 
and by his directions General Escobedo summoned a 
court-martial for the trial of the prisoners, the twenty- 
ninth of May, but which was postponed till the thir- 
teenth of June. Maximilian, Miramon, and Mejia 
were sentenced on the sixteenth, and were finally shot 
on June 19, 1867. 

When Maximilian read his death warrant, President 
Juarez showed him the infamous decree of October 3, 
1865, under which hundreds of the liberals had been 
shot as soon as captured. He asked Maximilian if he 
signed that decree, and, if so, what he had to say in 
justification of such barbarous warfare. He admitted 
signing the decree, but said nothing in defense of his 
conduct. He requested a respite of his sentence for 



MAXIMILIAN AKD THE DOCTORS. 309 

three days, which was granted, to give him time to ar- 
range his matters. He sent for an English physician 
and his assistant, to make arrangements for a metallic 
coffin, and for the embalming of his body. This inter- 
view was allowed on condition that myself and two 
other officers were present to witness it. When Doctor 
Jenkins and Kerford arrived, the conversation was 
brief. Maximilian requested them to furnish a tight 
metallic coffin, with a glass top, and wished his body 
embalmed and placed in a natural position in such a 
way that it could be transported to Austria. He de- 
sired that the coffin should be placed near the place 
where he was to be shot, as he wished to see it. He 
then gave Doctor Jenkins a check to pay for his 
services and for the coffin, and we retired. He then 
made his will, giving to his brother and his wife the 
whole of his vast property, except one hundred thou- 
sand dollars which he reserved for the wife and family 
of Miramon. 

At 3 o'clock on the nineteenth, the prisoners were 
marched out of their prison, the convent of Los Capu- 
chinos, to carriages in waiting. Maximilian was seated 
with a priest in one carriage, and Miramon and Mejia 
in another. General Escobedo ordered out four thou- 
sand troops to attend the execution, who were arranged 
in position at the fatal spot when the carriages and pro- 
cession arrived. The place selected was in front of an 
old wall, in the suburbs of the city, and a seat had 
been provided for Maximilian, with his coffin near 
by. When he left the carriage, the priest gave 
him "a cross to hold in his hand ; and, as he ap- 
proached his coffin, he examined it closely. Doctor 
Jenkins was present, and asked him if his coffin was 
satisfactory to him, and he replied that it was. The 



310 LAST WOEDS OF MIEAMOH". 

doomed men were then placed in position to meet 
their fate. 

Maximilian was asked what he had to say, and he 
asked permission of General Corona, who was standing 
near, to confer with the guard, who were drawn np in 
front waiting for orders to fire, as he desired them to 
shoot him in the breast and not disfigure his face. His 
request was granted, and he gave to the officer of the 
guard a gold watch, to the sergeant a gold medal, and to 
each man of the platoon an ounce of gold, telling General 
Corona to keep his sword, which he had surrendered to 
him before, as a present. He blamed Louis Napoleon 
as the cause of all his disasters. The medal he pre- 
sented to the sergeant was one he had received from 
Yictor Emanuel ; and the Emperor of Austria has 
since paid the sergeant a large sum for it in order to get 
it back to Europe. All this occurred in the space of a 
few moments, after which he was busily occupied with 
the priest. 

General Miramon was asked if he had anything to 
say. He said he was to be shot as a traitor, but he did 
not consider himself as such. He believed he was act- 
ing for the good of his country. Since the revolution 
of Santa Anna, he had seen no stable government in 
Mexico,— nothing but revolutions and fighting among 
themselves, and the country would never become peace- 
ful until some other nation assumed control of the 
government. And, said he, " ISTow that I am about to 
die, remember what I say to you ; for you will live to 
see my words prove true. ' ' Then shaking hands with the 
priest, who stepped one side, the two Mexican generals 
were placed on seats, with their faces to the wall and 
their backs to the soldiers. Maximilian stood up bold- 
ly, holding out the cross and facing the executioners. 



THE EXECUTION. 311 

He refused to be blindfolded, and advanced two steps 
nearer to receive the fire. His last words were : " Poor 
Carlotta, had I taken your advice it would have been 
far better for me." 

Looking directly at the file of soldiers he signified 
that he was ready, when they received the order to fire, 
and the three doomed men fell to the ground, dying 
almost instantly. Maximilian stood so close to the 
executioners that his clothes took fire, but were soon 
extinguished. The soldiers were ordered back to their 
barracks. They marched in silence, for they had wit- 
nessed a solemn spectacle. The two Mexican officers 
were placed in coffins, and buried in the cemetery the 
next day. Maximilian' s body was taken in charge by 
Doctor Jenkins and his assistants, and speedily em- 
balmed ; then the authorities took possession of it. 
Several days after this, a discussion arose in camp rel- 
ative to the embalming of bodies, and a number of us 
had a desire to see the body of Maximilian, and ob- 
tained permission to do so. We found the counten- 
ance well preserved and very life-like. Three days 
after the execution, four Mexican officers, who had 
been secreted by some Mexican women, were discover- 
ed by the soldiers. They were summarily shot by the 
soldiers, as was the traitor, Colonel Mendez, the brute 
who ordered the shooting of the six hundred liberal 
prisoners. These five traitors were shot in the back 
without trial. 

In the battle of Queretaro, which resulted in the 
capture of Maximilian, the enemy lost about fifteen 
hundred killed and wounded, and the loss on our side 
was estimated at eight hundred and fifty. After the 
battle, the appearance of the city was frightful, a large 
portion of the buildings being in ruins. President 



312 TKIUMPHAL ENTKY INTO MEXICO. 

Juarez ordered that the three or four hundred officers 
and several thousand prisoners captured by us, be dis- 
armed and allowed to return to their homes. He then 
issued proclamations, re-formed his cabinet, appointed 
civil officers, promoted military officers for their brav- 
ery, set in motion the whole machinery of his govern- 
ment, and finally returned, July 15, 1867, to the city 
of Mexico, which he entered in triumph, amid the 
ringing of bells, firing of cannon, and the noisiest de- 
monstrations of rejoicing from his countrymen. He 
was accompanied by a large force of mounted men, 
who were constituted the president's guard in the city. 
Most of our troops remained several weeks in Quere- 
taro after the battle. Some were discharged and paid 
off with funds received from the president, for the war 
was now virtually over. 




CHAPTEE XX. 

INTELLIGENCE was received by General Corona 
that a troublesome traitor, named General Marquez, 
had a force in Oaxaca, capital of the state of Oaxaca, 
about two hundred and thirty miles south of the city 
of Mexico, and that he was still operating against the 
liberals, having no disposition to surrender. Nearly 
twenty-five hundred of our troops were ordered down 
to Oaxaca to disperse these traitors and rebels. The 
march occupied eighteen days, and while we were on 
the march, General Marquez, hearing of our approach, 
disbanded his troops and fled from the country. Find- 
ing, on our arrival, no troops to fight, and many of 
our men being impatient to go to their homes, as the 
war was about finished, they mutinied and demanded 
their discharge and pay from our commander. He re- 
plied that he had no funds on hand to pay them. The 
soldiers then made a raid on the churches and several 
wealthy houses in the city, which contained much gold 
and silver. In trying to suppress this raid and restore 
order, one of our captains was killed. About fifteen 
hundred troops were engaged in this pillage, and after 
securing all they could lay their hands on, they de- 
serted. 

We were now left with only about one thousand 
faithful troops, and our General reported our condition 
to President Juarez. Money soon arrived, and the re- 
maining troops were paid, with the agreement that they 
should remain a while longer in the service. We re- 



314 I RESIGN MY CAPTAINCY. 

mained in camp near the city about a month, when we 
received orders to march for the mountains of Allico, 
to attack the Indians under Lozado, who were at this 
time about the only enemies in open arms against the 
cause of the liberals. This march overland consumed 
about three months' time ; but, while on the route, we 
received large additions to our numbers in various 
places, so that when we arrived at Tepic, where Lozado 
was posted, we mustered about three thousand troops, 
well armed, and commanded by our favorite, General 
Corona. Here we had a severe engagement with Lo- 
zado' s Indians, and drove them back into the moun- 
tains of Allico. We remained in that vicinity several 
weeks, having frequent skirmishes with them, losing 
four to five hundred, while their loss was about half 
that number. These Indians are so skilled in moun- 
tain warfare, and have such an advantage of position 
in their mountain retreats, that it is totally impossible 
for any ordinary army to dislodge them, or to fight 
them on fair terms. (I have learned recently that Lo- 
zado still holds the same position in those mountains, 
and is remarkable for his guerrilla attacks and fre- 
quent robberies). 

I now became tired and disgusted with fighting these 
Indians at such disadvantages ; and, feeling that I had 
discharged my duty towards Mexico, I resigned my 
position as captain of artillery, and requested my dis- 
charge of General Corona. He replied that he would 
be sorry to lose me, and that he had no money to pay 
me ; that I had been a very faithful officer in the ser- 
vice, and deserved great praise for my bravery ; 
and that if I would wait till he could receive a dispatch 
from President Juarez he would be able to pay me. I 
told him I knew the condition of their government, and 



PAID BY THE GOVERNOR OF SONORA. 315 

that I did not wish to remain any longer. He replied 
that if I insisted on my discharge he would give it to 
me, which he did. 

I then left for the state of Sonora, Corona furnishing 
me one hundred and fifty dollars for my expenses on 
the way. I told him that as I had spent most of my 
time in the service of the state of Sonora, I thought I 
could arrange for my pay with Governor Pesquiera, 
of that state. On my arrival in Sonora, I was cordially 
welcomed by the governor. I gave him a history of 
our campaign since I left him ; and detailed to him the 
death of Maximilian, &c. He then inquired if the 
president had paid me for my services. I told him he 
had not. He said his state was badly off for money, 
but that he had a quantity of confiscated landed prop- 
erty, and if I wished that I could have it. This 
property he informed me was a league square, and had 
belonged to a Frenchman, who took part with the 
French and was killed. I told him I would look at the 
land, and if I liked it I would take it. I examined it, 
and found about one hundred acres under cultivation, 
and concluded to take it if he could furnish me a valid 
title, which he said he could do, and have it free from 
taxes so long as I retained the property. He then gave 
me an order on the president, who sent me a valid title 
to the land in payment for my services. 

Being anxious to see my old American friends, the 
officers at Fort Tubac, which was in command of 
Colonel Dunkenberger, I then left for the territory of 
Arizona, and contracted at Fort Tubac to furnish hay 
for the* United States government. I received the con- 
tract from Colonel Dunkenberger and Major Vail, and 
by its terms I was to receive thirty dollars per ton, 
(gold), for furnishing the hay, delivered in the Fort of 
21 



316 

Tubac. Shortly after receiving this contract, the 
Apache Indians came into Tubac one night, and carried 
off all my mules with which I was to haul my hay, 
and stole most of the government horses besides. The 
following day an expedition, under command of Colo- 
nel Dunkenberger, started to overtake the Indians, and 
I went with them. We overtook the Indians at the 
foot of the Santa Eito mountain. An Indian of this 
thieving band, notwithstanding they had in their pos- 
session my mules and the government horses, came to 
us with a certificate from the officers of Fort Goodwin, 
claiming that he and his party were peaceable Indians. 
The colonel, after reading the paper, said he was under 
restrictions not to fight peaceable Indians, as these had 
proved themselves to be by this certificate, and was 
undecided what steps to take, as they denied having 
the animals. The soldiers hooted at the colonel for his 
conduct, as they saw the stolen animals in the posses- 
sion of the Indians, and so did I ; for I knew the brand 
on my mules. I told him I should take the responsi- 
bility to attack them as thieves, unless he became re- 
sponsible for my part of the animals stolen. This he 
agreed to do, and we returned to Tubac, where I re- 
sumed the work of filling my contract, being supplied 
by the colonel with other mules. In due time I finished 
the contract, hiring all the work done by Mexicans, 
and received my pay. 

From Tubac I went to Tueson and took a sub-con- 
tract from a contractor named John Capron, for getting 
out timber for the United States government for use in 
the construction of government wagons, to be delivered 
at fort Calibasa to my old friend Colonel Lewis. I was 
to receive twenty -five cents each for spokes, and five 
dollars each for hounds and tongues. I then returned 



SEVEN TO ONE. 317 

to Tubac and hired seven men to go with me to the 
Bird mountains, near Fort Calibasa, for the purpose of 
getting out this timber. I had nearly accomplished my 
contract, when one night our horses became frightened, 
and, as there were some appearances of Indians about 
our camp, we immediately gathered our horses and 
fastened them near our camp, and placed a guard for 
our safety. The next morning, on examining the 
ground around outside, I saw the tracks of moccasins 
in a sandy hollow. t /That day we took our horses with 
us to where we were cutting timber, and kept a sharp 
look-out for Indians. We worked till about 4 o'clock 
that afternoon, when I told my men I would go to a 
hollow a short distance above, where I had seen some 
better timber, as I wanted to pick out something suita- 
ble for a few more wagon-tongues. I took along my 
rifle and revolver, and advised them to keep a good 
look-out for themselves. 

In this mountain were great numbers of wild turkeys, 
deer and bears, and from this source we obtained all 
the meat we wanted. Our other supplies we easily ob- 
tained from the fort whenever we hauled a load there. 
After I left the men and had proceeded some three hun- 
dred yards, I discovered, while marking with my 
hatchet, some good trees, that there were seven black 
objects to my right and rather between me and my 
men. At first I took them for turkeys, but soon found 
them to be Apache Indians. Being so well acquainted 
with that species of game, I gave a war-whoop for a 
signal to my men ; at the same time I saw two large oak 
trees near together, with a huge rock in front, and I 
hurried there for defense. Before I had got behind the 
rock, I was shot in the right leg, below the knee. Six 
buck-shot entered and lodged, as it afterwards appear- 






318 EXCHANGING SHOTS. 

el. I fell down behind the rock, but immediately 
raised to look at the enemy. Seeing an Indian ap- 
proaching, I leveled my rifle and shot him dead. Dis- 
covering the other six Indians coming up, I took good 
aim, with my large Texan six-shooter, at the foremost 
one, while he drew up his bow to shoot at me. I shot 
him between the eyes, which dropped him. He hit me 
with his arrow in the right cheek, near my nose, where 
the scar still shows very plainly. By this time my 
men were close at hand to assist me, and the Indians 
ran for their lives ; but I fired again, hitting one of 
them in the hip, who had to be helped off by his com- 
panions. Part of my men pursued the Indians some 
distance, but soon returned to see if I was badly in- 
jured. They found my leg bleeding profusely from the 
buckshot wounds, and I sent them after dry punk to 
put in the wounds to stop the blood. The arrow that 
struck me in the face I had pulled out, and this wound 
was not so bad as to occasion any alarm. They picked 
up the gun with which the Indian shot me, and I re- 
cognized it as having belonged to a friend of mine by 
the name of Scott, who lived at a cabin four miles be- 
low ; and I made up my mind that they had murdered 
him. I asked my men if any of them had a sharp 
knife, and, finding them unwilling to scalp the Indians, 
I took the knife and undertook the job, for I wanted 
to show their scalps at the fort. 

The Indian who shot me had very long hair, fastened 
up with metal rings. We started for our camp, leav- 
ing the bodies where they lay and taking the scalps. I 
fainted from loss of blood before getting to camp, and 
my men carried me to my tent, where I soon revived. 
By a further application of dry powdered punk the 
bleeding was stopped. I sent to the fort for assistance, 



INCEEDULITY CONVINCED. 319 

and before daylight the next morning abont forty cav- 
alry arrived with my messenger. I gave them direc- 
tions for the pursuit of the Indians, and they found the 
wounded one about two miles distant, where he had 
dropped dead and been left by his companions, with his 
flesh eaten off to the bones by bears. A snow-storm 
coming on, they returned to my camp, place me on a 
horse and started for the fort, which was some ten miles 
distant. After riding two miles, my wound in the leg 
broke out afresh, and bled so much that they were 
obliged to take me from the horse, and placed me 
under a tree, where I again stopped the blood with fine 
punk. My men then made a litter of poles and blan- 
kets, and carried me to the fort. 

On my arrival there was much excitement on account 
of my fight, as the officers had great confidence in the 
peaceable nature of the surrounding tribes. I informed 
Colonel Lewis that the gun we had picked up belonged 
to my friend Scott, whose place was some four miles 
below where I was wounded ; but he was rather in- 
credulous, saying that Scott came into the fort the day 
before I was wounded. On my insisting that I knew 
the gun, he sent a squad of cavalry to Scott' s cabin to 
ascertain the facts. When they reached the place they 
found the remains of Mr. Scott terribly mutilated by 
knives. A Mexican boy who had been living with him 
was found badly wounded, but still alive. The boy 
was brought to the fort, as also were the remains of 
Mr. Scott. The boy had his leg amputated, and recov- 
ered. My wounds were getting very troublesome, and 
Colonel Lewis advised me to allow his surgeon to ex- 
tract the shot, to which I consented. That surgeon 
would have made a much better butcher than surgeon, 
however. He insisted on my taking chloroform, but I 



320 A SUKGICAL OPERATION. 

* 

refused on account of the wound in my breast injuring 
my lungs, and I preferred to bear the pain to run- 
ning the risk of taking chloroform. I was placed on 
a board, with my face down, four men holding me, 
and with an ounce ball between my teeth. The sur- 
geon commenced by splitting my leg in the calf some 
live or six inches, and then with his instrument 
searched for buckshot in all directions. He succeeded 
in extracting four, when I told him I could stand it no 
longer. In the operation I lost much blood, which, in 
addition to what I had lost before, reduced me so much 
that for several days I was almost insensible. When I 
revived I found an old Mexican woman standing by my 
bed, who informed me that a priest had called to see 
me, but I had no recollection of it. She was like a 
mother to me, and by her kind care I consider my life 
was saved. When nearly recovered, the old lady was 
dressing my limb one day, and, in taking off the band- 
age, the other two buckshot dropped on the floor. My 
recovery was then a sure thing, and I felt much en- 
couraged. 

An attack was made in the night on the fort soon 
after, and most of the animals stolen by a party of 
Apaches. They were pursued to their Indian village, 
and the property was recovered, after killing several of 
the Indians; and several women and children were 
captured and brought to the fort. Among them were 
two boys, about eight years old, which Major Vail 
took under his charge to care for. The Major had two 
children of his own, about the same age, and these four 
children were in the habit of playing together about 
the fort. They were all playing, one afternoon, by a 
creek near by, and as they did not return at their usual 
time, search was made for them. About dark the 



APACHE CKUELTY. 321 

searching party were horrified by finding the body of 
the Major's little boy, who was about seven years old, 
terribly mutilated, his head being completely mashed 
by stones. Near the dead boy they found his little 
sister, who was nearly dead, having also received ter- 
rible blows on the head. This was the work of the two 
Apache vipers, who had fled for their village, fifty 
miles away, among the mountains. The Major sent a 
party in pursuit the next morning, and the boys were 
overhauled after two days' tracking. They were found 
under an oak tree eating acorns, and when they saw 
the soldiers in pursuit, they attempted to escape, but 
were overtaken and hung up to a limb of the tree. 
The other captive Indian children and women escaped 
the same night that the children were discovered mur- 
dered. One young squaw nearly killed one of the 
soldiers that attempted to hinder her from escaping. 
They were pursued, but never caught. In all my ac- 
quaintance with Indians, I never found a tribe so mean, 
so contemptibly thievish, and so murderous and treach- 
erous, as the Apaches ; and the sooner the government 
exterminates them entirely, instead of trying to con- 
ciliate them with presents, the better. They are differ- 
ent from the Comanches or any other tribe I know of, 
as no day passes without some murder or robbery being 
committed by them. 

Arizona territory has many gold and silver mines. 
The Indians have sometimes used these metals for 
making bullets, before they knew the worth of coin. I 
was an eye witness when the same surgeon who oper- 
ated oh me cut a gold bullet from a Mexican, who had 
been shot with it by an Apache. The bullet weighed 
half an ounce. 

A short time after the murder of Major VaiTs chil- 



322 UNSUCCESSFUL GOLD HUNTING. 

dren, a Mexican woman made her escape from the 
Apaches. She had been a prisoner among them four- 
teen years, and she reported that there were large 
quantities of gold in the mountains where the Apaches 
lived. She showed some specimens of gold which she 
brought, weighing from one to three ounces. Some 
persons then employed her as a guide to these moun- 
tains. She told them it was a dangerous expedition, as 
the Apaches were a much stronger tribe than they were 
aware of. A large party of about six hundred were 
gathered, however, from the vicinity of the fort to go 
gold hunting, and this woman accompanied them as 
guide. After several days' travel, as they were pro- 
ceeding through a narrow pass, she and six soldiers 
were shot dead by the Apaches, who were concealed 
among the rocks. The Indians showed themselves then 
in such great numbers that the party of gold seekers 
were compelled to retreat and leave their dead. They 
returned to Tubac and reported that the Indians were 
so numerous that it was impossible to proceed to the 
mountains. There was an understanding between the 
Governor of Sonora and the commander of the United 
States forces at these Arizona forts, to work in harmony 
whenever the Apaches made a combined attack either 
on the Sonora side or the Arizona side, as by union 
they could better repel the Indians. 

Soon after the return of the gold seekers, a body of 
Apaches made their appearance in Sonora, committing 
many depredations and capturing women and children. 
The Governor of Sonora sent dispatches to the com- 
mander of the United States troops in Arizona, appeal- 
ing to him for aid, and troops were sent to his assistance 
immediately. As the Sonora troops were advancing from 
the west, and ours proceeding to meet them, the In- 



APACHE TEEACHERY. S23 

dians were caught between the two parties, and about 
eighty of them were killed and a number taken prison- 
ers, among them a brother of the Apache chief, named 
Cachese. A dozen or more Mexican women and chil- 
dren that the Indians had in captivity were released. 
Cachese and the other Indians it was decided to hang 
at once. Cachese was singing just before we hung 
him, when he stopped, and cried out in Spanish : 
" Why do you not take a knife or a lance and kill us 
like men and not hang us like dogs." Cachese was the 
last man hung, and when they were ready to place the 
rope about his neck, he caught the man who was ad- 
justing the rope, with his teeth, tearing off part of his 
sleeve, when he was struck on the head by a soldier 
and rendered senseless, and was immediately hung. 

One Indian boy, captured with them, was saved by 
the interference of Lieutenant Williams. He took him 
to Apache Pass in Arizona, where he kept him some 
four or five months. The lieutenant gave him a gun 
and ammunition as he was in the habit of going out to 
hunt deer, &c, and furnishing the lieutenant with game. 
One day the lieutenant rode a fine saddle mule out to a 
spring about two miles from the fort, as was his usual 
custom, for exercise. This young Apache was con- 
cealed behind a tree about twenty steps from the road, 
and attempted to shoot the lieutenant as he passed, 
but the gun missed fire. Lieutenant Williams rushed 
up to the Indian, and, drawing his pistol, forced the 
young scapegrace to surrender the gun. He plead 
for his life, and the lieutenant bound his hands with a 
rope, and made him walk ahead of him to the fort. 
Williams was very angry, and yet very curious to 
know the object of the Indian boy in trying to kill 
him, who had been his benefactor ; but when he found 



324 FATE OF AN EMIGRANT TRAIN. 

that he had no motive at all, he strung him up to a 
post in a hurry, saying that was the last Indian he 
would ever place any confidence in. 

About this time, an emigrant train on its way from 
Texas through this section, had arrived at a place 
called Tulare Flats, when they were attacked by 
Apache Indians, who laid in ambush on each side of 
the road, each Indian being disguised by having a sage 
bush tied to his head. This emigrant train numbered 
about fifty, men, women, and children. The Indians 
kept quiet till the train had arrived abreast of them, 
when they all arose at once, and with tremendous yells 
frightened the teams so that they soon ran in the 
greatest panic. They fired into the whites, killing all 
the men but two, who made their escape to Tueson. 
The officers at the fort at Tueson sent a party in pur- 
suit of the Indians, who, on arriving at the place at 
which the train had been surprised, witnessed a horrid 
spectacle. Men, women, and children, most of whom 
were scalped, lay there with their brains beaten out ; 
and about them were the remnants of their wagons, 
which had been burned. One woman, Mrs. Mary 
Holliday, was found still alive with six arrows stick- 
ing in her breast, and near her were the dead bodies of 
her two children. She was unable to speak, and her 
signs were scarcely intelligible. Wagons were sent to 
take this unfortunate woman, the bodies of those who 
were killed, and what remained of their effects, to the 
fort, where the dead received proper burial. Mrs. 
Holliday lived but a short time after her arrival at the 
fort. Near the scene of the fight the bodies of five 
Apache Indians were found, secreted in the brush. 
The two men who escaped gave us an account of the 
fight, and reported that four girls were missing from 



AN ESCAPE EEOM APACHES. 325 

the party and could not be found, and we concluded 
the Indians had run them off into captivity. 

Some two months after this, one of the girls made 
her appearance at Fort Buchanan, when she reported 
that two of the girls were dead, from the violence and 
outrage of the Indians, and, so far as she knew, the 
other one was still living among them. This unfortu- 
nate girl was named Emma Brown, and she was in a 
pitiable condition when she came to Fort Buchanan ; 
barefoot, and nearly destitute of clothing. She gave 
the following account of her escape from her savage 
captors : Two days before, while on the hills with a 
band of the Indians, she saw Fort Buchanan in the 
distance, and resolved to make a desperate attempt to 
reach it. A favorable opportunity soon occurred. The 
chief who had her in charge had just returned from a 
thieving raid of several days, and was very much ex- 
hausted. The whole band, feeling perfectly safe, had 
fallen asleep ; and the chief, reclining with his head in 
her lap, was soon in a sound sleep. Carefully freeing 
herself from the savage, she cast a hurried glance 
around her, and seeing the way clear, started on her 
perilous journey for the fort she had seen in the morn- 
ing, determined to reach it or perish in the attempt, as 
she felt death to be far preferable to the life she had led 
for the past two months. She took the direction of the 
fort and traveled all night in the mountains. In the 
morning she discovered below her, a party of the Indi- 
ans, following her. She was at this time following an 
Indian trail, where she had been before, but immediate- 
ly stepped to one side, and secreted herself among some 
rocks. The Indians passed within a short distance of 
her, for she could distinguish their voices easily. They 
did not look for her trail, as they seemed to take it for 



326 FEAKS OF EECAPTUEE. 

granted she would follow the Indian trail she was in, 
and they hurried on in the direction she had been 
going. More than once, as they filed past her, she 
gave herself up for lost, for to her excited mind it 
would seem that one had left the party and was ap- 
proaching her hiding place ; and she felt that if she 
was discovered it would be certain death, and very 
likely by a slow torture. A few days before, death 
would have been welcome ; but now, when she had 
escaped from her captors, life seemed very precious 
to her. 

As soon as the Indians passed her, she started up 
the mountain, out of their route, and secreted herself 
among some rocks which overlooked her former hiding 
place. Here she dreaded an encounter with some wild 
beast, for the place was wild and rough ; but she pre- 
ferred death in that form rather than recapture. In a 
short time she discovered the Indians (about fifteen in 
number) returning. Coming to the place in the trail 
where she had left it, they dismounted from their 
horses and searched in all directions, and in doing so, 
passed around the rocks where she had first secreted 
herself. From here she had been very careful to walk 
on stones or rocks to her present hiding place, and 
they were unable to track her. She remained in her 
hiding place until the Indians had left, and gone back 
to their camp ; then with desperate energy she resumed 
her flight towards the fort, where she arrived utterly 
exhausted, as she had been two days on her weary 
march without food or sleep. Her feet were bound up 
with pieces of the last skirt she had, for the Indians 
had kept her barefooted for fear she might escape. 
Her clothing consisted simply of a chemise, well worn 
and ragged from contact with the brush as she passed 



KINDNESS OF OFFICERS. 327 

along. Her way to the fort had been through a conn- 
try abounding in small scrubby prickly pear bushes, 
which had destroyed her clothing, and her feet were 
so filled with the thorns that it was some days before 
they were all removed. 

She was taken in charge by the wife of Major Wells, 
at the fort, and was confined to her bed, in care of the 
physicians, more than a month before she recovered. 
During this time she was often delirious, shrieking in 
her agony : "They have killed my father, and mother, 
and two sisters ; don't let them kill me." 

It was true that her parents and sisters were killed in 
the massacre, and she was left alone in the world. 
When she had regained her health, she was sent by 
the officers at the fort, who supplied her with clothing 
and money, to San Francisco, and from thence to Gal- 
veston, Texas, where she had an uncle, the only rela- 
tive she had living. 

This kindness of these United States officers is only 
one instance among many that have come under my 
observation in the western country, and at the frontier 
outposts. They invariably treated the poor captives 
that were wrested and saved from the hands of Indi- 
ans, with the greatest kindness, whether they were 
Mexicans or Americans, and supplied them with funds 
and clothing, medical attendance, and every thing, 
free gratis, never asking or accepting any remunera- 
tion ; and I believe their generosity to the unfortunate 
is not generally known, but it is worthy of being 
known throughout the world, for it is unparalleled, 
and beyond all praise. 



CHAPTEE XXI. 

A FEW weeks after the events narrated at the close 
of the last chapter, a large party of Apaches ap- 
peared in the state of Sonora, committing all man- 
ner of depredations, and were pursued by the Mexi- 
cans into their own country. There they had an en- 
gagement, and most of the stock that had been stolen 
was recovered, and about eighty Indians killed. A 
small party of Mexican women and children that had 
been taken from Sonora by the Apaches, escaped by 
their shrewdness ; for during the fight they secreted 
themselves in the brush, and as the Indians ran, they 
remained concealed till the Mexicans were close upon 
them. 

Among the prisoners released was Miss Holliday, 
who was captured by the Indians at the same time as 
Emma Brown, at the massacre of the emigrants, an 
account of which has been given. She was a daughter 
of the woman found by the. soldiers who went to the 
relief of the train. Governor Pesquiera, of Sonora, 
sent word to the fort to notify the officers of her escape, 
and to inform them that she was under his protection. 
The officers made up a purse for her relief, and sent it 
to her by a messenger, and instructed him to ascertain 
from her whether she wished to return to Texas. She 
returned the money to the officers, by the messenger, 
with many thanks for their kind offer and sympathy, 
and added that as her relatives were all dead, having 
been killed by the Indians, she had no home to go to, 



MEXICAN DEPEAVITY. 329 

but as Genearal Alcontra, the commander of the Sono- 
ra troops, had saved her life and requested her hand 
in marriage, she had accepted his kind offer and would 
soon go to housekeeping. This woman is now living 
happily in Ures, the capital of Sonora ; and the last I 
heard of her she had three children, and was wealthy. 

My wounds were now so far healed that I was able 
to walk about some ; still, I suffered much from some 
undiscovered difficulty in the limb. I proceeded to 
Tueson for a change of medical treatment, and placed 
myself under the care of a noted surgeon named Lord, 
who appeared to understand my troubles. My leg 
continued badly swollen, and I was taken with chills 
and fever, when Doctor Lord informed me that I must 
leave that part of the country or lose my life. It so 
happened that a government train was at Tueson, 
bound for Los Angeles, California, and I received per- 
mission to accompany it. I was placed under the care 
of the chief wagonmaster, whose name was Caton. 
The day I left Tueson I had my horse, saddle, and 
bridle brought around and put in care of the wagon- 
master, for I was not able to ride him, but was placed 
in a wagon, on a cot hung by the four corners. 

Soon after leaving Tueson I saw a poor Mexican 
walking along beside the wagon, carrying his blankets 
on his back. I called him to me, and on inquiry found 
he was going to California. This I thought an excel- 
lent opportunity to make an arrangment that would be 
to our mutual advantage. So I told him I was in need 
of a man to wait upon me somewhat, during the jour- 
ney, and if he would do so, he could put his blankets 
in my wagon and ride my horse ; and if this was not 
an equivalent for his services, I would pay him what 
was right. He seemed very much pleased with this, 



330 NATHAN MAETIJST. 

and I ordered my horse turned over to Mm for his use. 
Alas, for the depravity of Mexican nature ! Since I 
saw him mount my horse, when turned over to him I 
have never beheld him, nor received the services to be 
rendered ; the only equivalent for the horse and trap- 
ping being a badly worn blanket he put in my wagon. 

One month and nine days after we started from Tue- 
son I arrived in Los Angeles, California, and soon 
found a good surgeon, to whom I stated my case, and 
placed myself under his care. On the way, I had 
been failing in health, and the journey had made my 
limb much worse, and it was now in a state of high in- 
flammation. He examined my limb, and said a portion 
of my shin bone was broken, or slivered off by the 
shot, which accounted for its not healing, and that it 
should be extracted. He performed the operation, and 
took out a piece of bone some three inches long and of 
very irregular shape. I suffered much during the op- 
eration, but under his subsequent judicious treatment 
the swelling was reduced and the inflammation cured, 
and I immediately began to improve in my general 
health. It was some time before I could walk, however, 
and by that time the physician' s bill, with my expenses 
for board and attendance, had made sad inroads into 
the money I had on my arrival at Los Angeles. 

I here met, one day on the street, Nathan Martin, 
whose life I had saved when he was captured by the 
Comanche Indians. I had not seen him since he left 
with the Indians for Mexico, thirty-one years before, and 
had supposed him dead. He informed me of the par- 
ticulars of his escape, and invited me to go to his 
house, for he resided in El Monte, a few miles distant. 
I accepted his invitation and had an agreeable visit. 

I also met here a cousin of mine, Alexander Hobbs, 



MORMON OUTRAGES. 331 

who informed me of the assassination of my uncle and 
his family, in the Green Meadow massacre, by the 
Mormons, in Utah Territory. He said it was his de- 
termination to kill every Mormon he came in contact 
with, when he had an opportunity, in revenge for the 
murder of our uncle and his family. He also informed 
me that Brigham Young was now riding in the same 
carriage in which my uncle' s family were at the time 
of the massacre. When I heard him say that, my 
blood boiled, for I could not bear the thought of old 
Brigham converting my uncle's fine family carriage 
into a Mormon turnout for the transportation of the old 
beast and his concubines. 

At this time Mormons were in the habit of coming 
into Los Angeles with long trains of wagons, every 
spring, for the purpose of procuring supplies. There 
was at this time one of their trains, of about one hun- 
dred wagons, in town, nearly ready to leave for Salt 
Lake. It was discovered that they had a number of 
mules, which they had probably stolen from the gov- 
ernment, which had been branded U. S. ; but the 
marks had been obliterated by burning over the place 
with a hot iron. In consequence of this, the United 
States officers took some two hundred of their mules 
from them, confiscating them as government property, 
which the Mormons strongly protested against, but 
they could not prove any title to the mules. Their 
train then left for Salt Lake, by the way of Fort 
Goodwin. Mne of the Mormons did not accompany 
the train. They remained in Los Angeles some two 
weeks,* and during that time succeeded in stealing 
eighty -five mules from a Mr. Towns, who was a stage 
contractor on the Overland Route. 

The same day the Mormons left with the mules, 
22 



332 EXECUTION OF MOEMON THIEVES. 

word was sent to a vigilance committee at El Monte, 
about twelve miles distant, on the road to Salt Lake. 
We raised about thirty men and started in pursuit of 
the villains. I soon struck their trail, and we followed 
it to the mountains, and soon found that we were close 
upon them, as their dust showed plainly as they as- 
cended the road over the mountain. 

Being in charge of the party, I divided it, and sent 
one-half of the men, under the lead of my cousin, 
around the mountain to head off the Mormons as they 
descended the opposite side. My men pursued them 
to the top of the hill, and began the descent, over a 
rough road, over which we could see the mules were 
forced with some difficulty by the Mormons. We 
kept in their rear till they had reached the foot of the 
hill, where my cousin's party were concealed, when 
both parties attacked them, and all but one surrender- 
ed, and he in trying to escape was shot, and his horse 
killed under him, both falling dead. Those who sur- 
rendered begged hard for their lives ; but there was no 
mercy in our party for such thieves, and my cousin 
told them to make their peace with God in a hurry, 
and think of Brigham Young for the last time, for we 
had no time to waste over them. We hung them all 
on the trees by the roadside, and, waiting only long 
enough to see them fairly dead, we started for Los 
Angeles to return the mules to their owner. 

On returning to Los Angeles with the property, the 
owner, Mr. Towns, was delighted to recover the ani- 
mals, and paid us well for our services. Everybody 
was anxious to know what we did with the Mormons, 
and we replied that they would hear quickly enough, 
from the Mormons at San Bernardino, a town near 
where we hung them, which was full of Mormon in- 



DANGEK OF SHOOTING CUBS. 333 

habitants. It was found afterwards that they were 
greatly enraged when they discovered the bodies of 
their friends hanging on the trees, and took them down 
and buried them with great pomp and ceremony. 

Being now fully recovered from my wounds, I caught 
the prevailing excitement of that country relative to 
gold digging, and went with two men, named Brown 
and Bennett, to the Chain Mountains of California 
prospecting. We had with us our pack animals and 
provisions. These mountains abounded with game, 
bear and deer being plenty. One afternoon I had been 
out alone prospecting about a mile and a half from our 
camp, and as I was returning I saw two small grizzly 
bear cubs. I looked in all directions to see if the 
old bear was around, but could not discover her. I 
then concluded to shoot one of the cubs, but knowing 
how the grizzly will resent any injury to its young, I 
looked first for a place where I could make myself se- 
cure in case of danger. I shot one of the cubs with 
my rifle, breaking its shoulder, when it commenced a 
great outcry, which brought the old one to its assist- 
ance. I was not long in climbing a high rock near by, 
nor in discharging my revolver at her, for I had no 
load in my rifle. I wounded her badly with my six- 
shooter, but did not kill her, nor disable her enough 
for me to venture down from the rock, so I remained 
there all night. The bear made several attempts, du- 
ring the night, to reach me, but being weak from her 
wounds could not do so. When it was light enough 
to see the animal I finished her with another shot, and 
killed the remaining cub, its mate having died during 
the night. The cubs were fat, and weighed perhaps a 
hundred pounds each, but the old bear was poor and 
unfit for eating. Bennett and Brown hearing the firing 



334 AN IMPORTANT DISCOVERY. 

in the morning, came running up and found me skin- 
ning one of the cubs. They looked on in amazement 
at the sight of the three bears, and said they had heard 
the firing in the evening and had been very anxious on 
my account. We finished skinning the bears, and car- 
ried the cubs and skins to our camp. I had a good 
appetite for bear meat that morning, and we made a 
capital breakfast from one of the cubs, after which I 
told my companions that I should take a nap, for I had 
stood guard all night, and they could go out and do 
the prospecting that day. 

I slept till three o'clock, and then arose and cut up 
my meat for drying and curing. My friends soon re- 
turned, and Brown reported that he had discovered a 
lead mine. He showed me some of the metal and ask- 
ed my opinion of it. I tried it by smelting some of it 
in my ladle for running bullets, and found it contained 
some silver. He then said he thought our fortune was 
made. We went together and examined the ledge, 
and found it a vein of lead and some silver intermixed. 
It was nearly four feet wide and over a foot thick, and 
we judged that it ran into the mountain some distance. 
I told Brown that we had better have the property re- 
corded in our names, and he proceeded at once to Los 
Angeles, sixty miles away, for that purpose. On the 
fourth day he returned and said he had made the 
record for us jointly. Mr. Bennett and myself sup- 
posed he had done so, as our agreement at the outset 
was to share our discoveries and profits equally. 

The next day after Mr. Brown returned I found a 
prospect of gold, in the head of what is called St. 
Gabriel's canyon. A few days after this, Mr. Bennett 
said he was going out to kill a deer if possible. He 
started away about three o'clock, and in an hour we 



AN UNPLEASANT NIGHT. 335 

heard a report of a gun a short distance off. I told Mr. 
Brown that our friend had found game near by, and 
we went to see what he had shot. We found him shot 
through the body, the ball having entered near the 
navel and come out at the small of the back. As he 
was still alive, he gave us an account of the manner in 
which he was shot. As he was walking through the 
brush, on the lookout for game, and not paying atten- 
tion to his footing, he stumbled and fell, the fall caus- 
ing the discharge of his gun. We carried him to camp, 
and he asked me what I thought of the wound. I told 
him he must prepare himself for the worst, but we 
would do all in our power for his comfort. At the 
same time I sent Brown to the nearest settlement for 
medical assistance for our friend, though Bennett said 
it was of no use for he should soon die. Brown went 
after a -physician and some friends, leaving me alone 
with the dying man. He lived about an hour after 
Brown left us, and I passed a miserable night alone in 
those dreary mountain wilds with the body of my dead 
friend. There I sat with no light, save the flickering 
glare of a fire I always kept burning in front of the 
cabin, to keep away the wild beasts. It seemed as 
though Brown would never return, and it was the 
longest night I ever experienced. I have passed many 
nights in situations that would not be called desirable 
by nervous or timid people, but never one that seemed 
so awful to me as this night alone with death. About 
daylight, Mr. Brown, with several persons including a 
doctor, arrived from Qui Qual Mungo, a small town 
about twelve miles from our camp. Finding that our 
friend was dead, they advised that he be taken to their 
village and properly buried, which was done ; and the 
funeral services at Qui Qual Mungo were attended by 



336 me. Bennett's effects. 

a large number of sympathizing strangers. Just be- 
fore his death, Mr. Bennett told me that he willed 
me his gun and two pack animals, and also his 
interest in the mine which we owned in company. He 
said he had a brother, William, living in San Luis 
Obispo, California, to whom he requested me to write, 
and inform him of the circumstances and manner of 
his death. He further said that I would find in his 
carpet-sack about one hundred dollars, which he wish- 
ed me to use as far as necessary in defraying the expen- 
ses of his burial. He attempted to tell me something 
about a check, but he was so weak that he could not make 
himself understood. With the money found among 
his effects I paid his funeral expenses. I offered to pay 
those who had assisted us in removing him from our 
camp to the village, &c, but they refused any compen- 
sation. 

After our partner's death our camp was so lonely 
that we concluded to go to Los Angeles, taking with 
us all our effects, and those of our deceased friend. 
On our way Mr. Brown said he was aware that Mr. 
Bennett had some money over and above the expenses 
of burial, &c, and wanted to know what disposition I 
was going to make of the property, urging that it be 
divided between us; for, said he, "his brother never 
need know of it, and ' dead men tell no tales.' " 

I told Brown I was not in the habit of doing busi- 
ness that way ; and stated that what was left would go 
to Mr. Bennett' s brother at San Luis Obispo, for I had 
written to him and expected he would meet us at Los 
Angeles. On our arrival at Los Angeles I received 
a letter from Mr. William Bennett, in answer to one I 
had sent him, informing me that he would soon arrive 
at Los Angeles, and perhaps by the next stage. 



DISHONESTY OF BROWN. 337 

At the hotel where we stopped I asked Brown to 
show me the record, or certificate of record, of our 
lead and silver mine, that we had been assured by him 
was recorded in the office at this place in favor of all 
three of our party. He replied that it was among his 
papers, and that he would show it at some other time. 
I then became suspicious that he was not a trustworthy 
man, and proceeded to the miner' s recording office to 
make inquiries respecting the matter, and found that 
Mr. Brown was in the employ of a New York compa- 
ny, and had secured the mine in the name of the 
company and himself, leaving myself and Mr. Bennett 
out altogether. I then returned to the hotel and told 
Mr. Brown I wished him to get his papers and show 
me my own and Mr. Bennett's interest in the mine. 
He said he would before he went to bed. He then left 
the hotel and did not return till quite late, — after I 
had retired. 

Early in the morning a servant came to my room 
and told me a gentleman wished to see me down stairs. 
On going down I met Mr. Bennett' s brother, who said 
he had come to Los Angeles in reply to my kind mes- 
sage, and wished me to relate all the particulars of his 
brother's death, &c. I then gave him, in detail, all 
the facts, narrating our experience in the mountains, 
and the unfortunate accident that had broken up our 
party and deprived his brother of life. I took him to 
my room and showed him his brother's clothing, 
money, pocket book, papers, letters, &c, and also told 
him his brother left one hundred dollars, and I had it 
ready to give him, excepting the amount I expended 
in his burial. I also told him that his brother had 
verbally willed me his interest in the mine, his gun, 
his two pack mules, and the remainder of the money, 



338 AN AFFEAY WITH MR. BROWN. 

after deducting expenses ; but that lie was so near his 
end when he did so that I had no writing to that effect, 
and should claim nothing ; the property was all at his 
disposal. He told me my conduct in the matter had 
been such that he was satisfied I was honest, and he 
had no doubt the facts were as I stated : that he did 
not wish the money, and requested me to keep it and 
also the pack mules. In looking over his papers he 
found a check for five hundred dollars on Wells, Fargo 
& Co., of San Francisco, which explained what Mr. 
Bennett attempted to tell me of a check just before his 
death. He retained the check, papers, and clothing, 
and thanked me heartily for the kindness I had shown 
his brother. I told him of the rascality of Mr. Brown 
in regard to our mining affairs. 

After we had finished our breakfast Mr. Brown came 
in, and I informed him that as soon as he had eaten 
his breakfast I wished to talk with him. I kept a 
sharp lookout for him, and finally saw him attempt to 
leave by an opposite door. I called to him, when he 
came and took a seat with Mr. Bennett and myself. I 
then told him I considered him anything but a gentle- 
man. He asked me what induced me to say so. I 
told him I had been to the miner' s recording office, and 
from what I had learned there I considered him a 

d d rascal. At this he started from his seat and 

seized a knife which he carried concealed in his breast 
pocket, and I pulled out my six-shooter, with which I 
struck him on the head and knocked him down, the 
blow causing the discharge of one of the chambers, 
carrying a ball through a large mirror behind the bar, 
shivering it to atoms. I then gave him several kicks, 
when I was seized by Mr. Bennett and the barkeeper,, 
and my pistol taken from me. In striking him I cut a 



PUBLIC OPINION IN MY FAVOK. 339 

large gash over his right eye, the mark of which he 
will carry to his grave. 

I was then inquired of by the barkeeper and several 
others as to the trouble between us, when I informed 
them it was a private matter, of no consequence to 
anyone but ourselves, but that Brown deserved severe 
punishment. The barkeeper said the glass cost him 
forty dollars, which amount I at once gave him. Mr. 
Brown and myself were then taken before the authori- 
ties and tried, which resulted in fining me ten dollars 
for using an unlawful weapon, and in fining Mr. Brown 
forty dollars, as he drew his weapon first and com- 
menced the affray. Mr. Bennett paid my fine, and 
after the bystanders and the guests of the hotel had 
been informed of the facts of the case they fully justi- 
fied my course, and said if they had known he was such 
a knave, they would not have interfered to save him. 
Brown got his wound sewed up, and soon left town in 
disgrace, for the news had spread all over the city. 

Mr. Bennett returned to San Luis Obispo, and I re- 
mained about a month at Los Angeles. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

ABOUT the year 1868, there was a great excitement 
in regard to the Owen's river mines, in Inyo Dis- 
trict, California. I packed my mules with provisions, 
a pick and shovel, with pans and other outfit, and 
started for Owen's river, in company with a train of 
wagons bound for the same destination. The owner of 
the train was a French Canadian, by the name of 
Nadieu. The wagons were loaded with provisions and 
supplies for miners at Cerro Gordo. We arrived at 
Owen' s river, which I found a hard country, twenty- 
two days after leaving Los Angeles. We stopped at a 
place called Lone Pine, some eighteen miles from the 
Cerro Gordo mines. As this was a very elevated coun- 
try, the snow was so deep the wagons could not ascend 
the mountains. The provisions were carried up the 
mountain on pack mules, and with my mules I accom- 
panied them. On my arrival at the Cerro Gordo mines 
I saw no way of feeding my mules, and, therefore, sold 
them to Mr. Nadieu. I then dug out a large hole in 
the bank, and fixed up a rude habitation. Here I be- 
came acquainted with a number of Mexicans, one of 
whom had discovered the mines in this vicinity. These 
mines were discovered in the following manner: A 
Mexican by the name of Pablo Flores, who was a 
prisoner among the Pah Utah Indians, discovered some 
green rocks and lead ore. A short time after he had 
found these metals, the Americans had a fight with- the 
Indians at Owen' s Lake, when he made his escape. He 



SMELTING ORES. 341 

showed the Americans specimens of the metals, which 
led to the discovery of the Cerro Gordo mines. 

All the metals in this vicinity are worked by smelt- 
ing, or by the fire process. I soon commenced work 
for Belshaw and Elder, in the erection of a smelting 
furnace. After the furnace was completed I continued 
in their employ in smelting the ores. These metals 
contain arsenic and other poisons. In working these 
metals there is made what is called a flux, which is a 
composition of lead, silver, iron, and cinder or dross, 
which is placed in a furnace and smelted, and then run 
into pigs or bars, composed of lead and silver. The 
pigs are then shipped to San Francisco where the lead 
is separated from the silver. A ton of these pigs yield 
nearly a thousand dollars in silver. The lead is worth 
about five and a half cents per pound there, and just 
about covers the expense of transportation to San 
Francisco, and the expense of separating and refining. 

I continued in this business until I became paralyzed 
from the effects of the poison in the smoke, when I was 
placed in the hands of a physician, and by the time I 
was able to resume work I had expended all my funds. 
I then became acquainted with a man by the name of 
Honn, a Dutchman, who told me he came here from 
Salt Lake by the way of Death Valley, which he con- 
sidered a very rich country in the way of minerals, and 
proposed to me to go with him and prospect that coun- 
try. I told him I had no means, to which he said all 
he wanted was a couple of pack mules or jacks, and 
provisions, for which he could furnish the means. He 
agreed that we should share equally in whatever we 
found, and said if we were successful in prospecting, 
he had a friend who would furnish anything we might 
want for mining, provided we would give him a share. 



342 DEATH VALLEY. 

We then bought two jacks and loaded them with pro- 
visions and mining utensils^ and started for Death Val- 
ley, in company with a man named Hunter, who joined 
us the day we left. 

The region about Death Valley is, for the most part, 
very mountainous, but in some sections are found des- 
erts of sand sixty miles in width. During the year 
1852, an emigrant train in passing through this section, 
attempted to go by way of the valley, as they stood in 
great fear of the Indians who infested the mountains. 
But they ran from one danger into another. In cros- 
sing this desert they lost their way, and with one ex- 
ception all perished. The man who survived, whom 
we met, gave an account of a rich silver mine, which 
was discovered by one of the men who perished. The 
man who found this mine made a gun- sight of a piece 
of the metal, which gave to the mine the name of 
" Gun- sight Lode." We tried to induce our informant 
to accompany us to this mine, but he declined, saying 
he had passed through enough in that section already, 
and never wished to return there. 

As the account of the richness of the mine was very 
flattering, we decided, after learning its location, to find 
it if possible. On our arrival in the valley we found 
the remnants of the train and the skeletons of the party, 
in a locality which agreed with the description given 
us, as did the location of surrounding mountains in the 
distance. In prospecting we found many kinds of 
minerals, but the country was destitute of water and 
wood, the mountains being composed of ledges of 
rocks. But the mine we were unable to find. After 
searching in vain for eight days, finding but little water, 
my feet became so lame that I was able to walk only 
with great difficulty. My friends left me at a small 



EXHAUSTION OF MY COMPANIONS. 343 

pool of water which we fortunately found ; and, taking 
with them provisions and water sufficient for two days, 
started on a prospecting trip to a mountain which ap- 
peared about twenty miles distant, saying they would 
return the next day if possible. 

I remained at this pool four days, my friends not 
making their appearance. My anxiety on account of 
my friends, who were now two days behind their time, 
was intense, as I feared that even if they did not perish 
from lack of food and water, they might be massacred 
by the Pah Utah Indians, as I knew they frequented 
that vicinity. I also felt that I was in no condition to 
defend myself if attacked by Indians. 

On the morning of the fifth day I went to the top of 
a high hill to take an observation, and from there I dis- 
covered a man coming over the sandy plain below. I 
started to go to him, and found on reaching him that it 
was my friend Honn, who was nearly dead from hun- 
ger and thirst. In answer to my inquiries, he said he 
had left Mr. Hunter three or four miles back so ex- 
hausted, that he was unable to go further. I then took 
Mr. Honn into camp, and gave him food and drink. 
These men in going out prospecting had refused to take 
the jacks, for fear they might not find water sufficient 
for them, and they might perish, thus leaving us no 
means of escape from that barren country. 

While I had been gone, two hours, the jacks had 
been into our camp and eaten up most of our flour, 
which placed us in no enviable situation. Mr. Honn, 
after eating, immediately fell asleep, and I took some 
provisions and a canteen of water and started in search 
of Mr. Hunter, taking Mr. Honn' s tracks as a guide. 
In my anxiety, I did not stop to get the jacks, but 
started on foot. I found Mr. Hunter asleep, with his 



344 EESOLVE TO LEAVE DEATH VALLEY. 

gold pan under his head. When I aroused him from 
his slumber, he looked wildly at me, and attempted to 
escape ; but I caught him and endeavored to quiet 
him. He soon recognized me, and made inquiries for 
Mr. Honn. I told him he was all right and in camp. 
He then said, " For God's sake, have you any water." 
I gave him the canteen, which contained about three 
pints. He grasped it, and in his eagerness would have 
drank it all, had I not taken it away from him, when 
he begged that he might drink all he wished. I told 
him he must eat something, and when he had done so 
I would give him more. After eating I gave him a 
small quantity of water, and he became more calm and 
rational. He then told me that in returning from the 
mountain, where their search had been unsuccessful, 
they had become bewildered, and not feeling at all sure 
that they were going in the right direction, he had given 
himself up as lost. As soon as he felt able to walk 
to camp we started on our return, and when about 
half way there, I allowed him more water and food. 
We arrived safely in camp about sunset. 

We found our friend Honn still sleeping soundly, 
and Mr. Hunter had a good night's rest, as he slept 
soundly till morning. In the morning I told them we 
should be compelled, for want of provisions, to return 
to Cerro Gordo as soon as they were able to travel. Our 
stock of flour had been reduced by the raid made on it 
by the thieving jacks, to about six pounds, and this 
had been somewhat injured by them. As Cerro Gordo 
was over a hundred miles distant it was necessary for 
us to start as soon as possible, in order to reach it be- 
fore our provisions gave out. We retreated from this 
desolate place (appropriately named Death Valley), 
and arrived finally at the mountains just below Cerro 



ARRIVAL AT CERRO GORDO. 345 

Gordo and found the snow and ice so plenty on the 
mountains that our animals could not easily ascend. 
We told Mr. Hunter if he would remain where we then 
were with the jacks we would endeavor to reach the 
mining camp at the top of the mountain and return 
with provisions, which he consented to do. All we had 
to leave with him was a small piece of bacon and some 
ground coffee. The jacks were able to survive on tall 
bunch grass and small brush. 

Mr. Honn and myself reached the top of the moun- 
tain that night, about 9 o'clock, wading through the 
snow in some places to our waists. After much suffer- 
ing from cold and hunger, by midnight we reached 
Cerro Gordo, or the camp of miners. Mr. Honn being 
rather fond of whisky, commenced indulging freely, 
for he was nearly frozen ; and both of us were after a 
while warmed up and thawed out with hot drinks fur- 
nished by these hospitable miners who had given us up 
for lost. Early in the morning we obtained a sack of 
flour, some bacon, and other provisions that we could 
easily carry on our backs, and some matches, for we 
knew that we should be detained at the foot of the 
hills until the weather changed, and started on our 
return to Mr. Hunter. We had each obtained a bottle 
of whisky, and Honn was so careful of his that he car- 
ried it in his hand. 

He was a little unsteady from the effects of the 
" thawing out" process of the night before, and, in 
descending a steep place, his foot slipped, and, as the 
sack of flour on his back made him top-heavy, he fell, 
and rolled heels over head some thirty feet. The bag 
of flour caught in the brush, tearing it and spilling part 
of the precious contents. Honn brought up against a 
pine tree, and holding up his bottle, on which he had 



346 A VISIT FROM A PAH UTAH. 

bestowed most of his* care, lie remarked that he had 
saved the best part of his load. I gathered up what 
flour I could, and told him I thought the flour of the 
most importance, but he preferred the whisky. We 
then made our way down the mountain as best we could, 
and finally found Mr. Hunter, who was overjoyed to 
see us. I made a fire in our little camp stove, wet up 
some of the flour and baked some biscuits, which, with 
our other fixings, made us a capital meal. We re- 
mained here several days, our jacks getting recruited 
in a small ravine below where there was no snow and 
the bunch grass was plenty. We now commenced to 
work oar way up the mountain sides with our jacks, 
for the snow had rapidly melted and settled, and then 
frozen stiff, so we could get our beasts along. In due 
time we arrived in camp at Cerro Gordo, where we 
were looked upon almost as having returned from the 
grave. 

We had discovered fourteen ledges of different kinds 
of metals, silver, gold, and copper, and brought speci- 
mens of each with us. These we now had assayed, 
and they were pronounced rich ; but the locality was 
such, the country so desolate on account of the scarci- 
ty of wood and water, we could get no parties to inter- 
est themselves in our discoveries. 

Soon after our return, a Pah Utah Indian came to 
Cerro Gordo with a very rich specimen of gold. He 
could talk Spanish a little, and told me if I would give 
him some presents he would show me where the gold 
was. I then asked my friends Hunter and Honn if 
they would accompany me with the Indian. Mr. Honn 
was ready to go, but Mr. Hunter, on ascertaining that 
from all I could learn from the Indian, the mine was 
probably on the borders of Death Valley, said he 



DESERTED BY OUR GUIDE. 347 

had seen all lie wished to of that country, and would 
not return there if the whole country was a solid mass 
of gold. I then took the piece of gold which the In- 
dian gave me, and had it assayed, when it proved very 
rich. I took the Indian to a store and asked him what 
he wanted, and he said some calico, tobacco, a pipe, 
and some beads, which I gave him. We then bought 
provisions enough to load our two jacks and another a 
friend of mine gave me, and started to find the gold 
ledge which the Indian told us it would require ten 
days to reach. 

The first eight days of our journey passed without 
any particular adventure. On the ninth day, when we 
awoke in the morning, our Indian was missing, and I 
never saw him afterwards. I told Honn that the Indian 
having proved false, we had better go on as we were so 
near Death Valley, and do the best we could at pros- 
pecting. He thought the Indian had started off for his 
tribe, to inform them of our position, and feared that 
they would soon be down on us in force to murder us. 
I told him we had two Henry Rifles, which would 
give us thirty -two shots, and two six-shooters with 
twelve shots more, making forty-four shots, and that 
those Indians only had bows and arrows, and that we 
could cope successfully with them, and we had better 
proceed, hoping to find gold enough to make our trip 
profitable. 

We started soon after breakfast, taking along a ten 
gallon keg of water, and followed an Indian trail till 
about 4 o'clock, when we suddenly came across a 
squaw T)f the Pah Utah tribe, who was digging palm- 
roots, which is the principal food of that tribe. On 
seeing us she was badly frightened, and fell on her 
knees, making signs for us not to kill her. I then took her 
23 



348 MEET WITH AN OLD SQUAW. 

by the hand, and, raising her up, showed her onr water 
keg, and made signs to ascertain if she could tell us 
where we could obtain water. She then started, and 
following the Indian trail, showed us a small spring. 
Here we encamped for the night. Immediately after 
showing us the water she wanted to leave us, and I 
made signs for her to remain and she should have 
something to eat. When I offered her some food she 
took it in silence, but would eat nothing till Mr. Honn 
and myself commenced eating, when she had more con- 
fidence and began to eat. After supper Mr. Honn and 
myself lit our pipes and commenced smoking, when 
she made signs that she wanted to smoke, and I polite- 
ly offered her the pipe, when she puffed away and 
blew the smoke out of her nose several times, then re- 
turned me the pipe. After this she appeared more con- 
tented and remained with us that night, being provided 
with a blanket, &c. 

I told Mr. Honn I deemed it prudent for one of us 
to remain on guard, and he thought the same. I there- 
fore kept awake till after midnight, when he relieved 
me, and stood guard till nearly morning, when we were 
aroused by our jacks running towards us much fright- 
ened. At first we thought the Indians were upon us, 
and, jumping up, we seized our rifles and prepared to 
give them a warm reception ; but the howling of wolves 
around us convinced us that there was no cause of 
alarm from Indians just then. Although wolves may 
not seem very desirable neighbors, we felt much re- 
lieved when we found what frightened our animals. 

After breakfast we were about resuming our march, 
when I made signs to the squaw to learn where we could 
find the next spring of water. She pointed forward in 
the direction of the Indian trail, making signs to the 



JOINED BY TWO AMERICANS. 349 

sun, so that I understood we could reach water before 
sunset. I had with me some curiosities for Indians, 
such as beads, red handkerchiefs, finger rings, &c, and 
I gave her a sample of each, for which she appeared 
grateful, and we then allowed her to depart. She 
started for a mountain a few miles distant and we 
packed up and journeyed onward. After going nearly 
fifteen miles we came to a small stream of water, which 
was in Death Valley, but it was so bitter as to be 
unfit for ourselves or animals. After looking around 
for some time I found a spring of good water, near 
which we encamped for two days. In prospecting 
there we discovered places which yielded eight cents 
perhaps to the pan but no rich ledge as we expected. 
Here we were surprised by the appearance of two 
Americans who rode into our camp, one of whom had 
an arrow sticking in his left shoulder. His name was 
William Wilson, and that of his companion was John 
Patterson. They stated that they, in company with 
two others, come into this valley prospecting, as an In- 
dian had shown them some rich specimens, which he 
said came from this vicinity. They had been visited 
at their camp, which was about ten miles below us, by 
a party of Indians, who had showed them some nice 
specimens of silver and gold, making signs that they 
were obtained at a mountain a few miles off, and 
offering to show them the way to these rich diggings. 
Two of the men left with the Indians, expecting to 
return the next day. The following day the two men 
left in camp were attacked by a party of Indians, 
and hastily mounting their horses, they had escaped, 
leaving all their effects, and providentially had seen 
our camp and joined us. They said the two missing 
men were brothers, by the name of Copeland, and 



350 A SEARCHING PARTY. 

that they feared the Indians were traitors and would 
assassinate them. After I had cut out the arrow head 
from the man's shoulder, they concluded that it was 
best to return to Silver Peak, where there was a miners' 
settlement called "Belmont flat," and get help tore- 
turn to their camp and search for the Copeland 
brothers. Belmont was distant nearly eighty miles, 
and as they knew the route, and that there was water 
in three places, Mr. Honn and myself decided to pack 
up and accompany them, for the situation began to ap- 
pear dangerous if we remained behind. 

We arrived safely at Belmont, and found it quite a 
settlement. We organized a party of twenty-four men, 
with pack mules, provisions, &c, and started back to 
Death Valley in search of the missing men. We 
searched in every direction in the valley and in the 
mountains where the Copelands went, but could see no 
traces of them, except the camp-fires where the Indians 
had been. After several days of anxious search, we 
went to the camp where the two men were attacked, 
and found that all the property left there by them had 
been carried away ; also found one dead Indian cover- 
ed up with brush, who was very likely killed by a shot 
from one of the men who escaped. The Indians wisely 
kept out of our sight, for our party of twenty -four 
were well armed. Being satisfied our search was of no 
avail, Mr. Wilson said he would be revenged on the 
Indians for the loss of his friends. He had brought 
some strychnine for that purpose, and mixing some of 
it with a sack of flour, and one of sugar, left them as 
as a present to the rascally red-skins if they should 
happen to return there. The whole party now con- 
cluded to go back to Belmont and obtain provisions 
and mining implements to work several mines or 



NEW SILVER MINES. 351 

placers which, we discovered. While at Belmont an 
old Indian came into the place and reported that the 
Indians toward Death Valley were dying rapidly of 
cholera. The same party of twenty-four men soon re- 
turned to Death Valley taking the old Indian with us, 
and we found quite a camp of dead Indians laying 
around not far from where the poisoned provisions were 
left. We then told the old Indian to show us the two 
missing men or their bodies or suffer instant death, 
and he led us along the hillsides to a place where we 
found good water, and we encamped that night near the 
spring. Here the Indian made an attempt to escape, 
but was shot and killed by a man on guard. 

The next day we continued on in the same direction 
the Indian was leading us, and soon came to another 
Indian camp where there were nine more dead Indians. 
From here we went to the " bitter water creek " at the 
foot of the hills, where Mr. Honn and I had discovered 
good gold indications, which turned out so well that we 
remained there several weeks, when, finding our supply 
of water failing, and our provisions giving out, we re- 
turned to Belmont. 

An excitement was now raging here relative to min- 
erals in the White Mountains, and all who had any- 
thing to say spoke well of the wonderful quartz of the 
mountains, with its occasional veins of almost pure 
metal. Mr. Honn and myself packed our jacks with 
provisions and started for the place, full of hope and 
excitement. On our arrival we found several prospect- 
ing parties already at work, and before long we discov- 
ered a few scattering veins of silver ore not over two or 
three inches wide and very thin. They were rich 
enough, but were imbedded in hard rock which could 
not be worked without stamp mills, crushing appara- 



352 UNPEOFITABLE MINING. 

tus, &c. I then went to Independence with a small 
party to get some of my specimens assayed, leaving 
Mr. Honn to take care of things and continue prospect- 
ing. At Independence they pronounced some of my 
specimens as yielding five thousand dollars to the ton 
of rock, which simple announcement made a great stir 
in that vicinity. There was an English stock company 
here operating in mining with machinery, and they of- 
fered me two hundred dollars to show them where I ob- 
tained my specimens, to which I consented, as I had no 
means to work a mine in the way it would be necessary 
to work this. 

With two of the English company and several em- 
ployees I started for the White Mountains, and after 
eight days reached the mines and showed them the 
small veins of silver, which pleased the English gentle- 
men, for they concluded, that though small and unim- 
portant, these veins led some where to the mother vein, 
which would prove of great value. They sent to Inde- 
pendence for machinery and tools, and employed me as 
foreman over twelve Cornish miners to superintend the 
work at one hundred dollars per month, and provisions 
found, while my friend Honn took a contract for get- 
ting timber from the mountain for house-building. I 
advised the company not to expend much capital in 
buildings nor in working the mine, but they thought 
they knew best. They worked the mine about three 
months, and laid out in all two hundred thousand dol- 
lars before they gave up that it was a non-paying con- 
cern. They admitted as they abandoned it, that my 
advice should have been followed. 

Mr. Honn and myself returned to a place called Lone 
Pine, on Owen's river, eighteen miles from Cerro Gor- 
do. Lone Pine is not far from Owen' s Lake, a remark- 



353 

able body of water which always remains at the same 
height. Owen's river and various smaller streams 
empty into this lake, and there is a peculiar oil- worm 
that inhabits its waters, and, drifting ashore in large 
numbers, they are used for food by the filthy Indians 
in the vicinity. Scientific men have analyzed the water 
and pronounced it strongly charged with borax, and it 
is considered beneficial in cutaneous diseases to bathe 
in it freely. After bathing in it, however, it is neces- 
sary to wash in pure water, or the skin will peal off as 
if burnt. In washing clothes it requires no soap, but 
clothes washed in it must be rinsed in pure water or 
they will be destroyed. On this lake a small steamer, 
and afterwards a flat boat were launched, for taking 
supplies across to the miners ; but in six months the 
steamer was rendered unserviceable by the action of 
the water. 

After we had been in Lone Pine a while, the Pah 
Utah Indians grew very hostile, and we formed a com- 
pany of the miners for protection. About this time we 
received information that a family had been murdered 
by the Indians at a place called Hay way Meadows. We 
started immediately for the scene of the massacre, and 
found the woman and two children of the family killed. 
The husband was not at home at the time of the massacre, 
and three hired men who were working there ran away. 
The woman defended herself until the Indians set fire to 
the house. We found her body lying in front of the 
house with three arrows sticking in her breast, and the 
children' s skulls were crushed. We buried the remains 
of the woman and children, and soon discovered the 
three men servants returning from their concealment on 
the hills, who told us in what direction the Indians had 
gone. One of the men was slightly wounded in the 



354 a husband's despekation. 

back of the neck by an arrow. I told them they ought 
to be ashamed to run and leave a woman under such 
circumstances ; but they said that they urged her 
strongly to flee with them, but she refused. We then 
started off in pursuit of the Indians, who numbered 
over a hundred, and we had fifty- six men in our party, 
all mounted. We overtook them near Owen's Lake, 
where, being surprised by us, they were mostly driven 
into the lake and over half of them shot or drowned. 
A few made their escape and the remainder we captur- 
ed and took to Fort Independence, and turned them 
over to the United States officers. One Indian girl was 
found buried in a sand bank where she had secreted 
herself so nicely that only her nose and chin were visi- 
ble. We recovered some two hundred and fifty dollars 
in gold from the Indians, also the clothing they had 
stolen from the murdered family. When the unfor- 
tunate husband returned and found his wife and chil- 
dren slaughtered, his grief made him desperate. His 
name was Wright, but he has been wrong ever since, 
as many of the Indians have found to their sorrow, for 
with a crazy zeal he fought everything in the semblance 
of an Indian, whether friendly or not, whenever he 
had an opportunity. I restored him the gold and the 
clothing they stole from him, when he smiled on me 
with grateful looks for my services, and with fearful 
oaths vowed to have his revenge. Finally he was ar- 
rested by the United States officers for killing friendly 
Indians, and confined at Fort Independence as insane ; 
but death came to the poor man' s relief in a few months, 
for his last days were spent in mad ravings and bitter 
cursings of the Indian race. 

Not long after we had routed these Pah Utahs, a 
party of Mexicans were on their way to Saline Valley 



A TEEATY WITH PAH UTAHS. 355 

for salt, when they were attacked, and all bnt one 
killed by the Pah Utahs. This man came into 
Lone Pine and reported the massacre, when I started 
with my company in pursuit of the Indians, the es- 
caped Mexican going with us as a guide. On arriving 
at the place of attack we found nine dead Mexicans ; 
and three dead Indians were found near by buried up 
with stones. On the third day of our pursuit we over- 
took the Indians and hemmed them in at the base of 
an almost perpendicular mountain, where they could 
not escape. We killed fifteen of them, when the re- 
mainder, numbering over two hundred men, women, 
and children, surrendered. When the chief gave him- 
self up he said he was anxious for peace with the 
whites. He could speak Spanish tolerably well, and 
told me his name was "Big Foot." We took away 
their bows and arrows and a few guns they had with 
them, and marched them as prisoners to Fort Indepen- 
dence. The Pah Utahs then concluded a treaty of 
peace with the officers at Fort Independence, the chief 
promising to call in all his warriors who were out un- 
der different leaders. In the meantime they had at- 
tacked a place called ' ' Hog Rogers' s Ranche," near the 
foot of Owen's Lake. When the news reached us, I 
left with my men, accompanied by this chief, he prom- 
ising to call off his men and deliver them to the officers 
at the fort. On our arrival at the ranche, Rogers and 
his dog (who was a powerful and vicious animal) had 
killed three Indians, and the others had left. This 
man Rogers was a noted desperado, and as soon as he 
saw the Indian chief with me he raised his rifle and 
shot him dead. I then, to satisfy the tribe, took 
Rogers prisoner, and carried him back to the fort, leav- 
ing two men in charge of his ranche till he could have 



356 



PEACEFUL INDIANS. 



liis trial. He was tried by the officers and bound over 
to keep the peace. There was another Indian at the 
fort calling himself second chief, who was then pro- 
moted to head chief, and they gave him the name of 
Joe Bowers. Bowers succeeded in uniting the scatter- 
ed warriors in the neighborhood of the fort, and was 
furnished a passport from the officers for his safety 
among the whites. When they were all gathered they 
were placed on a reservation near Fort Independence, 
where they now are, I presume, and to the best of my 
knowledge have remained friendly ever since. 




CHAPTEE XXIII. 

A SHORT time after the treaty with the Pah Utahs, 
a man calling himself Delaney, and claiming to 
be a Methodist preacher, came to live with Hog Rogers, 
and entered into partnership with him for the purpose 
of fencing a farm at the foot of Owen' s Lake. After 
being with him some three months, Rogers was mis- 
sing. Teamsters going up and down the road made 
Rogers 1 s house their stopping place for refreshments, 
and in answer to their many inquiries concerning his 
absence, Delaney told them he had gone to the moun- 
tains prospecting. After a time, the teamsters found 
the ranche deserted, and suspecting foul play, they 
told the circumstances to the miners at Lone Pine. A 
party of six, including myself, immediately set out for 
the ranche to investigate the matter, and on our arri- 
val at the place found it deserted, as there was no living 
being there, except Rogers' s faithful dog, his hogs, and 
poultry. The dog, who was a large and ferocious an- 
imal, stood guard over the house, and would not let 
any of the party enter ; and we could not make up 
our minds to shoot or injure the faithful creature. 
After trying in vain to coax him so as to let us pass, I 
secured him with a lasso, and tied him to a post. This 
faithful guarding of the house convinced us that if 
Rogers had been foully dealt with it was by no stran- 
ger, as the dog was his constant companion. 
We searched the house and stables, but discovered 



358 PURSUIT OF A MURDERER. 

no clue to the mystery ; but on returning to the house, 
I saw, under the edge of the bed, a blood stain. We 
then took up two of the floor planks and found the 
dead body of Rogers, who had been shot with a pistol 
ball through the head. The body we took up and 
buried decently, and returned to Lone Pine, and re- 
ported the facts to the authorities. 

I was then appointed deputy sheriff, and as there was 
no doubt of Delaney' s guilt, was sent in pursuit of him, 
with two good friends who volunteered to assist me. 
About one hundred miles from Lone Pine, we heard of a 
man answering to his description who had passed 
through a small mining town called Tail Hold. We fol- 
lowed on to a place called Visalia, hearing nothing fur- 
ther of him, and had nearly given up finding him ; but 
on going about two miles further, we came to a grove 
where a camp-meeting was being held, and stopped to 
make some inquiries for the man. Here we found him, 
preaching to the people from the stand. I could not 
be mistaken in the man, for I had often seen him at 
Lone Pine and at Rogers' s ranche. I made my way 
to the stand, and, placing my hand on his shoulder, 
informed him that he was my prisoner. Recognizing 
me as coming from the vicinity where his crime was 
committed, he attempted to draw a pistol from his 
pocket. I had my hand on my revolver when I touch- 
ed him on the shoulder, and I at once struck him on 
the head with it, knocking him down. 

Great excitement now existed all over the camp 
ground, the brethren asking me for what reason I was 
treating a brother in that manner. I then ran my hand 
in his breast pocket and secured his small revolver, 
which I held up to the astonished gaze of the people, 
and asked them if it looked very ministerial to be 



359 

preaching with such a weapon in his pocket, and in- 
formed them that I had a warrant for his arrest as a 
thief and murderer. 

They asked Mr. Delaney if he knew me, when he 
answered that he had seen me at Lone Pine, in Inyo 
County. I placed him in charge of my two friends 
while I went to my saddle-bags to get a pair of strong 
handcuffs, which I placed on him. We then started 
for Visalia with the prisoner, as the brethren by this 
time saw that they had been deceived by him, and 
would not interfere to save this wolf in sheep's 
clothing. At Yisalia he was handed over to the au- 
thorities and placed in jail. 

The next morning I took the prisoner in charge and 
our party started for Lone Pine. When we had reach- 
ed the outskirts of the town, he informed me that he 
had some money and some clothes at the house of a 
Methodist preacher, and begged permission to return 
for them. We went back and got the clothes and five 
thousand dollars in gold. This man was very indig- 
nant at having been so deceived, and to]d Delaney he 
had been the cause of breaking up the camp-meeting, 
and had done vast injury to the cause of religion, and 
inquired what he had been guilty of. Delaney excus- 
ed himself by saying a false charge had been gotten 
up against him, but he should vindicate himself and 
return there to make matters straight. I told the 
preacher that he could bid Delaney good-bye, for in 
all human probability he would not come back there. 

We then resumed our journey to Lone Pine, and got 
as far as Portersville that night, where I was obliged 
to put the prisoner under a strong guard, as there was 
no jail in the place. The next morning the guards in- 
formed me that Delaney made desperate attempts 



360 AIT ATTEMPT AT BEIBERT. 

during the night to remove his handcuffs and escape. 
On learning this, I went to a blacksmith' s and procur- 
ed a pair of shackles and placed them on his ankles. 
For greater security and speed, I put the prisoner and 
the money on board the regular stage for Lone Pine, 
and took my seat opposite him, while one of my 
assistants sat beside him, and our animals were led by 
the other assistant behind the stage. The morning we 
left Portersville I discovered that the prisoner had a 
knife which had escaped my notice in the search I 
made of his person ; this I immediately took pos- 
session of. 

Before arrival at Hog Rogers' s ranche Delaney of- 
fered me the five thousand dollars, and as much more 
which he claimed that he had buried on Rogers's pre- 
mises, if I would allow him to escape. He told me 
the other five thousand dollars were buried at the cor- 
ner of the spring house. I informed him that I would 
see about his offer when we had dug up the other 
money. 

At Rogers' s place we found my friend, Mr. Honn, 
and two other men, whom the authorities had placed 
there in charge. I told Delaney to show me the place 
where the money was buried, and he did so. My 
friend Honn, finding a spade, dug it up. With the 
money were one gold and two silver watches. One of 
the silver watches had been stolen from a Mr. JSTadieu, 
who had stopped at Rogers' s house over night. The 
money being mostly in silver coin, it was too heavy to 
be carried by him when he left. Mr. Honn now in- 
formed us that Rogers's dog had lain on the grave of 
his master since he was buried, only leaving it occa- 
sionally to get food. Mr. Delaney secretly asked me 
if I was not going to allow him to escape, in consider- 



RESTRAINING A MOB. 361 

ationof so much money, &c, and I answered Ms im- 
pudent proposition by saying I was a sworn officer, 
and bound to do my duty. We arrived at Lone Pine, 
which was some twenty miles from the ranche, at eight 
o'clock that evening. 

When I was handing the prisoner over to the author- 
ities there was great excitement through the place, 
people collecting from every direction, shouting " Hang 
him ! Hang him !" They succeeded in getting a rope 
around his neck, dragging him a short distance ; but I 
defended him, and appealed to the crowd to preserve 
order, at the same time cutting the rope by which he 
was being hauled on the ground. A squad of soldiers 
who were at Lone Pine here interposed to assist me in 
my duty and took charge of the prisoner. Delaney 
then confessed that he deserved death, but that he 
wished to make a confession before he died. 

The excitement continued through the night, some of 
the miners being very boisterous and demanding his 
execution without delay, telling Delaney that his time 
had come. I handed over to the authorities the 
money, watches, pistol, and knife, taken from the pris- 
oner, excepting the gold watch, which I told them I 
would keep till I found the owner ; and also told them 
that the silver watch found with the money belonged to 
Mr. Nadieu, as his name was on the inside of the case, 
and Delaney had confessed to me that he had stolen 
the watch from him. My fees and those of my assist- 
ants were paid out of this money. 

The following day Delaney had his trial, and con- 
fessed* that he had killed Mr. Rogers for the purpose 
of securing his money, which he had ascertained was 
concealed under the hearth-stone in his house. He 
said also that Delaney was not his name, but that his 



862 

real name was Smith ; that he was born in Indiana, 
and had been married four times. He requested three 
or four days' time in which to write a history of his 
crimes, which was granted him by general consent ; 
for the public mind there had become quite interested 
in these developments, and felt disposed to let the vil- 
lain unburden himself and free his mind by confes- 
sion. The chief points of his confession were as 
follows : When he was twenty -one years of age, his 
father was hung, in Posey county, Indiana, for shoot- 
ing one of his neighbors. To avoid the obloquy which 
attached to him as the son of a murderer, he left home 
soon after his father' s execution, and made his way to 
Springfield, Illinois, where he married a respectable 
girl by the name of Knox, with whom he lived about 
six months, and getting possession of her property, 
about ten thousand dollars, left her and went to Little 
Rock, Arkansas, where he lost all the money, except 
five hundred dollars, in gambling. Here he again 
married a respectable girl, and after living with her 
about six months, he obtained some three thousand 
dollars from her in cash, when he left her and went to 
New Orleans, and there married a French Creole girl. 
From New Orleans he went to Fort Leavenworth, 
taking his wife with him. Here he said his wife left 
him, as she had fallen in love with a United States 
officer. He remained in that vicinity some time, with 
the determination of killing her, but she was so closely 
guarded he was not able to accomplish his purpose. 
From Fort Leavenworth he went to Salt Lake, where 
he said he married a Mormon girl, and after robbing 
her of what money she had, he went to California. 
During the time, from his leaving home, he had changed 
his name four times, and thought himself unfit to live 



A KTTDE GALLOWS. 363 

longer. He confessed that the gold watch I had in my 
possession belonged to Edward Hatch, a man that he 
had killed in Virginia City, Nevada, under the follow- 
ing circumstances : They were at work together about 
four miles from Virginia City, mining, where he killed 
Mr. Hatch, and buried him in a shaft which they were 
excavating. He had taken his gold watch and about 
four thousand dollars in money which Mr. Hatch had 
in his possession. He wished me to write to Mrs. 
Hatch (for the murdered man left a wife and two chil- 
dren) and inform her of the fate of her husband, which 
must have been the cause of much anxiety to her, and 
also of the fate awaiting his murderer. This I prom- 
ised to do. After this murder, he made his way to 
Lone Pine, where he became interested with Hog 
Rogers in fencing a farm ; and his career from that 
time is known to the reader. 

When he was taken out to be hung he requested the 
privilege of speaking to the persons assembled. He 
said his career had been a sad one from his youth up. 
He had commenced with deception and stealing, and 
now was about to suffer for murder. He acknowl- 
edged that his sentence was just, and that he deserved 
death for his many crimes. He ended his address by 
urging all present to be warned by his fate. He 
then bade them all good-bye, and in another moment, 
the rope being adjusted about his neck, strong hands 
turned the rude windlass that was in use there for 
hanging up beeves when slaughtered, and was now 
used in place of a gallows, and after a little struggling, 
all was over with this hardened criminal. After awhile 
the body was taken down and buried. 

Some four days after this I met my friend Mr. Honn, 
from Rogers's ranche, and he told me that Rogers's 
24 



364 AN APPKOPKIATE NICKNAME. 

poor dog, Jack, had died from grief, and that he had 
buried him by the side of his master. Rogers's real 
name was John, but he had received the name of Hog 
Rogers for stealing hogs some years before, and he 
took pride in being familiarly called by the name the 
teamsters had given him. 

The authorities at Lone Pine advertised extensively 
in the United States and Mexico for heirs to Rogers's 
property, but no one appearing to claim it, the money 
found by the confession of his murderer, and the pro- 
ceeds of his real estate, which was sold at auction, were 
used for building school houses in that vicinity. 




CHAPTEE XXIY. 

CALIFORNIA, as is well known, was, in its early 
history, made a place of refuge by thieves, gam- 
blers, and desperadoes of all classes ; and like Texas 
in its infancy, it suffered much from the lawlessness of 
many who went there as speculators and miners. This 
element in the population rendered necessary those 
vigilance committees which sprung up in a night, all 
over the state ; for in the newly and imperfectly organ- 
ized government, there was too much delay in dispens- 
ing justice to this class of rascals. In the course of 
my California experience I have seen many villains 
brought to their deserts by these committees, and have 
aided in ridding the country of many of them ; and 
for my part in these acts I have never felt the least re- 
gret, as I always felt sure they were guilty of the 
crimes of which they were accused, even if all the pro- 
ceedings at their trial were not in accordance with the 
customs of the Eastern States. 

One of the worst bands of desperadoes that ever in- 
fested California was one led by Joaquin Murietta and 
a man called Three-fingered Jack. The latter of these 
took special delight in torturing and murdering China- 
men. 

This Joaquin Murietta was made the desperado he 
was by* the villainy of some of the characters spoken 
of at the commencement of this chapter. He was a 
Mexican who arrived in California in 1851, with his 
wife, and discovered some rich gold diggings in Mari- 



MURIETTA AND THEEE-FINGERED JACK. 

posa county. He had accumulated all the gold he 
could tie up in a buckskin, when four American des- 
peradoes came to his claim and ordered him to leave. 
He went to his cabin for his effects and was followed 
by the Americans. They took the gold, which they 
found in the possession of his wife, and then insulted 
her, at which Murietta became enraged and drew his 
pistol to defend his wife, for they had commenced to 
abuse her shamefully. He was then seized by three of 
the ruffians, taken from his house and tied to a tree, 
where they flogged him. He begged of them to kill 
him but not to torture him and abuse his wife in that 
manner. 

After the whipping they released him, and warned 
him to leave the country by a certain date or they 
would kill him. He left the mine and went to a mining 
place about five miles distant, where several Mexicans, 
some of them his friends, were at work, and related to 
them the story of his wrongs, at which they were very 
indignant. With his friends, he returned immediately 
to his old camp and killed three of the fiends who had 
so abused him and his wife. Had he been satisfied 
with thus taking speedy vengeance on those who had 
caused his misery, no one could have said a word in 
his condemnation. But at that time there was a strong 
feeling of hostility existing between American and 
Mexican miners, and he swore vengeance on all Amer- 
icans, on account of the deeds of these outcasts. That 
same night he left Mariposa, with his wife, and started 
for St. Joseph, some of his Mexican friends accompa- 
nying him. 

At St. Joseph he became acquainted with Three- 
fingered Jack, and they formed a business connection 
as desperadoes and robbers. They, with several Mex- 



CLAIMING A EEWARD. 367 

icans, then returned to Mariposa county, where lie 
killed the remaining American who was concerned in 
robbing him. Murietta then persuaded an Indian of 
the Yagui tribe, who was an accomplished cut-throat, 
to join his party ; and they succeeded, in a short time, 
in killing and robbing a number of Americans. The 
gang soon numbered some twenty -five or thirty men, 
and their custom was to kill and rob all Americans 
they met on the road ; but on meeting a Mexican they 
would furnish him with horses or money if he was 
destitute. 

At one time they robbed Wells, Fargo & Co's Ex- 
press, on its way from the camp of Sonora, and captur- 
ed about sixty thousand dollars in gold dust. This 
happened in Calaveras county. In the stage were four 
passengers and the driver, who were all killed with the 
exception of one girl. She was brutally outraged by 
Murietta and left to her fate. The stage horses were 
taken by the party. The girl was soon discovered by 
some teamsters who were passing and taken to Calave- 
ras, where she had a brother residing, by the name of 
John Morgan. When she informed her brother of her 
sad condition, he offered a reward of a thousand dol- 
lars to anyone who would show him Murietta, the per- 
petrator of the villainy. Murietta hearing of the 
reward, went into Calaveras one night and going to 
Morgan' s house, with his pistols in hand, told him that 
he understood he had offered a reward to anyone who 
would show him Murietta. Mr. Morgan said he had 
made such an offer, when Murietta presented a pistol 
to his head and' told him he was the man and had come 
to claim the reward. Morgan handed him the thou- 
sand dollars and asked him if he had any further de- 
mand to make. Murietta said : 'No, he only wanted 



368 BREAKING THE BANK. 

the reward ; but that if Morgan said anything in re- 
gard to the matter he would burn the town before 
morning. Murietta was disguised by heavy false 
whiskers, as he had a number of different disguises 
which he changed as he went into different places. 

Before daylight that morning he visited a gambling 
house which was in operation in the town, where the 
game of monte was going on, and learning that there 
were some twenty thousand dollars in the concern, he 
bet for some time against the game, losing considerable 
money. None of the gamblers recognized him in his 
disguise. When he rose to leave they urged him to 
stay, as he appeared to be a good customer. He said 
he would return shortly with more money, and if he 
had luck he would break the bank. He soon returned 
with his party and walking up to the man who was 
dealing the game, said to him, "Now your bank is 
broke," and shot him dead. Two men sitting near the 
dealer shot Murietta in the breast, but as he wore a 
chain armor under his clothing, the balls had no effect. 
Three of the gamblers were killed, and three others 
made their escape. Murietta and his party took all 
the money they could find, and left the place in a 
hurry. Those citizens who were up early in the morn- 
ing saw a party of horsemen fleeing from the town in 
all haste, but were not aware that it was the gang of 
Murietta until Morgan appeared and told how the 
bandit leader had coolly abstracted one thousand dol- 
lars from him during the night. This in addition to 
his sister' s disgrace, now made him desperate. 

The next heard of Murietta was about seventy -five 
miles from Calaveras, where he and his party entered 
a Chinese camp, and surprising them in the night, rob- 
bed the poor astonished Chinese of all their gold dust 



EEFUSAL TO SUEEENDEE. 369 

and valuables, while Three-fingered Jack amused him- 
self by killing and mutilating a number of them. From 
this camp they went to St. Joseph, where Murietta 
had left his wife. In 1854, Murietta and the party, 
emboldened by their successes, made a tour by night 
through central California, doing all manner of mis- 
chief ; breaking open stores, robbing banks, and shoot- 
ing innocent people on the highways. 

The United States officers in California sent word, or 
published a notice, to Murietta that if he would deliv- 
er himsejf up to them his life would be spared, as they 
thought he had some reason for doing as he had done. 
He replied to them that he never would surrender as 
long as life was left him ; that he thought the Ameri- 
cans had treated him like a dog, but that he did not 
care so much for, as for the treatment they had shown 
his wife ; that it was his determination to kill as many 
Americans, and commit as many depredations as pos- 
sible. He claimed he had been an honest man up to 
the time of the abuse heaped on himself and wife by 
the four Americans. His party still continued killing 
and committing the grossest crimes. The authorities 
offered a reward of nine thousand dollars for Murietta 
dead or alive. 

A company of twenty -five men was now organized 
by Michael Burns and Mr. Love, for the capture of 
Murietta. They followed the bandits for many months, 
but they had fortified themselves strongly in the 
mountains, coming down frequently to make raids 
upon trains and villages, always being able to return 
with their plunder to the mountains. After a long 
and unsuccessful search, Burns and his party met a 
Mexican boy who had been herding sheep on the 
mountain, and had come down into a settlement for 



370 DEATH OF MUEIETTA. 

provisions. They inquired of this boy if he knew of 
any party secreted in the mountains. He said he had 
noticed men and horses in a little valley in sight of 
where his sheep were grazing. They hired this boy to 
return and pilot them up the mountain ; and upon 
reaching the place from which he had seen the party, 
he pointed to a little vale between the mountains and 
showed them twenty-five or thirty horses feeding. 
Burns' s party were well armed with rifles and revol- 
vers, and being sure of their men if they used judg- 
ment, they cautiously descended towards the camp, 
which they could plainly see in the brush, and sur- 
rounded it without being discovered. Burns was a 
good shot, and he wanted the pleasure of shooting 
Murietta himself ; for he knew him, when he was not 
disguised. 

Circumstances favored the attacking party. The 
band had just returned from a successful raid, and 
were all seated about a table, celebrating their good 
fortune. But for the fact of their being thus noisily 
engaged, Burns' s party might not have succeeded as 
well as they did in surrounding them unobserved. 
The signal for the attack was to be the firing of Burns' s 
gun. He gave the signal by taking good aim at Muri- 
etta' s head, putting in a ball near his left eye, which 
killed him instantly. The remainder of his party, 
which was composed of twelve men, were also killed, 
with the exception of Three-fingered Jack, who jump- 
ed on a horse and attempted to escape, but being 
closely pursued, was overtaken. He turned on the 
men in pursuit, firing several shots at them from his 
revolvers, wounding one man in the side. They then 
called on him to surrender. His reply was that he 
preferred to be shot rather than hung, and he would 



DOUBTS REMOVED. 371 

not surrender ; he was shot and fell dead from his 
horse. They cut off his hand which had three fingers 
on it, as an evidence of his death, and taking it with 
them, returned to where Murietta was killed ; and cut- 
ting off his head took it with the hand of Three- 
fingered Jack to San Francisco. 

Their arrival in the city created a great excitement, 
and many doubts were expressed as to its being the 
head of Murietta. Finally, to satisfy all doubts and 
enable the captors to claim the reward, the wife of the 
bandit chief was sent for. She was stopping with 
friends at a place called Johnstown, and on her arrival 
she said if it was the head of her husband they would 
find a scar on his left cheek. An examination showed 
the scar as she described it. When the head was 
shown her, she pronounced it her husband' s. The re- 
ward was then paid over to Burns and his party. The 
head of Murietta and the hand of Three-fingered Jack 
were preserved, and are still in San Francisco. 

Murietta' s wife stated that he had been strictly hon- 
est up to the time they were so maltreated by Ameri- 
cans ; adding that for her part she regretted that he 
had not killed more than he did. During this inter- 
view she said that she intended to return to the state of 
Sonora, where her husband's father and mother resi- 
ded, when the authorities inquired whether she had 
means to reach Sonora. She said she had ; but if des- 
titute she would not accept anything from an Amer- 
ican. A few days after this she left San Francisco by 
vessel for Sonora. 

A number of Murietta' s band were not with him at 
the time of the attack of Burns, but were in the moun- 
tains, scattered in small bands, with a large number of 
horses and mules. When their chief was killed they 



372 THE LAST OF THE GANG. 

attempted to make their escape to Mexico as stock dri- 
vers, but were overtaken in Los Angeles county, and 
nearly four hundred head of horses and mules taken 
from them. In this encounter eleven of the gang were 
captured and hung, but several made their escape ; 
among those who were hung was a man called Bloody 
Bill, but whose right name was Jack Downing. He 
was a hardened wretch, and had no such show of rea- 
son for his conduct as Murietta had. Before being 
hung he was asked what he had to say, when he re- 
plied that he had killed a dozen better men than any of 
his hangmen, and that he intended if he had not been 
caught to kill a dozen more. His captors waited to 
hear no more of his brutal speech, but hung him in- 
stantly. 

Word was sent to Fort Yuma, on the Colorado river, 
of the escape of some of this part of the gang, and the 
officers cautioned to be on the watch for them. It was 
soon found that two of them were drowned in attempt- 
ing to cross the Colorado, but the rest succeeded in 
reaching the state of Sonora. The governor of that 
state had received a dispatch from the United States 
officers stating that such a party were in his territory, 
and by a little strategy they were captured and hung, 
with one exception. Among them were two leaders, 
called Lame Floris and Curly -headed Chihuahua. 
These two men confessed where they stole most of the 
horses and mules, and stated that when they were 
obliged to flee from the mountains in California with 
their animals, they left in such haste that they could 
not dig up about thirty thousand dollars in gold which 
they had buried in different places. Curly-headed 
Chihuahua was therefore spared awhile, for he prom- 
ised to accompany a party to show them where the 



MONEY RECOVERED. 373 

money was, if the authorities would save him from the 
gallows. To this the governor agreed, and a company 
of fifteen mounted men of the governor's guards start- 
ed with this desperado, having orders to keep a sharp 
lookout for him, and reached the mountains, secured 
the gold, and returned with it safely, delivering it to 
the governor of Sonora, who deposited it in the treas- 
ury for safe keeping until some proper claimants 
should appear. During the absence of this party to 
the mountains, the governor received information that 
this band of robbers had stolen from his sister-in-law, 
in California, over a hundred brood mares, mules, &c, 
which so enraged him that when they retured with the 
gold, he told this curly-headed scoundrel that he 
should be saved from the gallows, as agreed, but he 
should be shot immediately ; for he was too dangerous 
a man to be turned loose to organize, perhaps, another 
band as formidable as the previous one. He was 
therefore taken out and shot, before he had time to rest 
himself from his long and weary ride. 

The governor informed the authorities in California 
of the recovery of this large amount of gold, which 
had been stolen by Murietta' s party, and that any per- 
son who brought sufficient proofs of ownership should 
have their part of it. One Californian brought proofs 
that he was a sufferer to the amount of several thou- 
sand dollars, which the governor paid to him ; but a 
large part of the money was never claimed, for the rea- 
son that the owners were murdered as well as robbed. 

The governors of Sonora and California entered into 
a mutual agreement, and published an order, that 
until further notice no man should be allowed to pass 
from one state to the other without a written permit 
duly signed by the proper officers. This was consid- 



374 



ORDER TO RESTRAIN OUTLAWS. 



ered absolutely necessary to facilitate the arrest of 
roving murderers and highway robbers, of which the 
country was then full. After this order was put in 
operation, murders and robberies became less frequent, 
for those who were caught and found guilty, either by 
a vigilance committee or by a justice of the peace, 
were immediately hung. 




CHAPTEE XXV. 

THE United States government wished to make a 
survey of the almost entirely unknown country 
about Death Valley, and to lay out a route from Fort 
Independence, in Inyo County, California, to Fort 
Mohave, and an expedition was ordered for that pur- 
pose. The commanding officer of this expedition, Cap- 
tain Andrew McFarland, heard of my experience in 
that desolate region, and wished to engage me as a 
guide, offering me very liberal terms. I told him I was 
not acquainted with the entire route, but that if he 
wished my services I would do the best I could for 
him. I told him I only knew the route to the vicinity 
of the Bitter water in Death Valley, but thought from 
what I knew of the country I could guide him 
through. 

We started from Fort Independence with eighty -five 
soldiers, and took with us the Pah Utah Indian chief, 
Joe Bowers, and another of his tribe, who were now 
friendly with the whites. 

On our arrival at Bitter water, the Indian, Joe Bow- 
ers, told me he could show us water some twenty -five 
miles distant, to which place we proceeded and found 
it. He then told me that we should arrive the next day 
at a mine where there had been about fifteen Americans 
assassinated. On our arrival at the place he designat- 
ed, we found a mine where work had evidently come 
to a sudden stand still. We found a tunnel about 
sixty feet in length, with a pile of about twenty tons 



376 A MURDERED MINING COMPANY. 

of lead, &c, lying in front of it. There also was a 
blacksmith shop, with an anvil remaining. Bowers re- 
moved all doubt we might have had of the fate of the 
men who had worked this mine, by taking us to a shaft 
about fifteen feet deep, into which he said their bodies 
were thrown. By means of a rope, I descended the 
shaft and found the skeletons of the miners. We did 
not disturb the remains of these unfortunate men, but 
filled in the shaft suflicient to bury them. 

Bowers said that these miners who were from Arizo- 
na, had been killed by some of his tribe under lead of 
Big Foot, the chief, who it will be recollected, was 
killed by Hog Rogers. The Indians were in the habit 
of trading with the miners for liquors and dry goods, 
which gave them an opportunity to learn their strength 
and habits, and also disarmed the miners of any suspi- 
cion they might have on seeing a number of Indians 
in their camp. A plan was formed by Big Foot to 
murder and rob the party. Bowers, feeling for the 
whites, stole from camp one night and told them they 
had better leave the place, for if they remained they 
would all probably be murdered by Big Foot and his 
party. As near as he could understand them, they re- 
plied that they had no fear of Big Foot, as they had 
confidence in his professions of friendship. 

One afternoon when the Indians went among them, 
apparently for trading purposes, they surprised and 
killed all the Americans, except one, who made his es- 
cape. This man' s name was John Hughes ; and, as 
Bowers was somewhat acquainted with him, as he 
spoke Spanish, he made an effort to save him, and pre- 
vented the Indians from pursuing him. The Indians 
took away all the property in the camp, even to the 
leather covering of the blacksmith's bellows, with 



DIGGER INDIANS. 377 

the exception of four or live bottles of quicksilver, 
some picks, shovels, and the anvil. 

Joe Bowers here informed us that he could remain 
with the expedition only two days longer, as in that 
time we should arrive within the limits of another tribe 
of Indians called the Digger Indians, who were hostile 
to his tribe. For the two days he continued with us 
he showed us water on our route, and at the end of 
that time took me on to a mountain peak and showed 
me in what direction to find Fort Mohave. He pointed 
to an Indian trail over the mountain, and told me to 
follow it. On returning to camp, Captain McFarland 
gave him an order on the proper officers at Fort Inde- 
pendence for his pay as guide, and also a certificate 
that he had proved true to us. He was presented with 
a mule packed with provisions sufficient for his jour- 
ney, and started with the other Indian for Fort Inde- 
pendence, telling us that hereafter we would find water 
sufficient on our way. 

We traveled twenty-five miles in the direction indi- 
cated by Bowers, and reached the Digger tribe of In- 
dians, and encamped by the side of a beautiful stream 
of water among the hills. The Indians were friendly, 
and I found one half-breed Mexican among them who 
could speak Spanish, and who agreed to guide us to 
Fort Mohave. 

On the second day of our encampment, while the 
captain was engaged in making a survey of the coun- 
try, and a map of our travels, &c, the Indians invited 
us to join with them in hunting rabbits, which little 
animal abounded among those hills, and was a favorite 
article of food with them. 

Their mode of capturing the rabbit is to place a net, 
some one hundred yards in length, made of willow 



378 A BABBIT HUNT. 

strips and bark, with wings on either side, of brush, 
&c, as an obstruction. The Indians go out in all di- 
rections and scare up the rabbits, running them into 
the net, the meshes of which are of a size to allow a 
rabbit' s head to pass through. In this way they be- 
come entangled and are killed with clubs. If any es- 
cape from the net they are pursued, and then follows 
an amusing scene, as the Indians in throwing their 
sticks and clubs often hit each other' s legs, killing the 
animals only after an exciting chase. When they ac- 
cumulate a sufficient number of rabbits, they make a 
fire of sage brush, and other wood, throwing in the 
game just as it is caught, and when cooked, eat the en- 
tire animal. It is perhaps unnecessary to say that we 
did not join in the feast. 

After remaining in camp three days, having suffi- 
ciently rested ourselves and animals, we left for Fort 
Mohave, the half-breed Indian accompanying us, as 
guide. We arrived at the fort after several days of 
further travel, having gone forty miles of the distance 
without seeing any wood or water. We took this route as 
it was much shorter than that by the Indian trail, and 
gave us a better crossing of the Colorado river. Cap- 
tain McFarland calculated the distance from Fort Inde- 
pendence to this fort to be four hundred and fifty miles. 
The country we had crossed lays between the Sierra 
Nevada mountains and Arizona. 

We had been at the fort eight days, when the man 
Hughes, who had escaped at the time of the massacre 
at the mine shown us by Joe Bowers, came in with a 
party of twenty -five or thirty men, he had made up at 
Prescott, Arizona, to return with him and work the 
mine, which he represented as being very rich in silver 
and lead. This mine, which was discovered by a Mex- 



PINON TREES AND NUTS. 379 

ican, is called the Plomoso mine, the name signifying 
leaden. Our captain made arrangements for our re- 
turn to Fort Independence by way of the mine, as this 
man Hughes told him he could give him much valua- 
ble information. 

After remaining several days longer at Fort Mo- 
have to recruit our animals, we packed up and started 
on the return trip. The mining party had preceded us, 
and on our arrival at the mine, we found them procur- 
ing some very rich metal. We stopped there a lew 
days, looking about and prospecting, when Hughes 
said if we would go with him he would take us to a 
mountain where he had heard there were some very 
rich ledges, but which he had not explored on account 
of the hostility of the Indians who lived in that sec- 
tion. Captain McFarland decided to accompany him, 
and we started for the mountain ; to which, on our ar- 
rival, we gave the name of " telescope mountain," 
from its being very high, with the top covered with 
perpetual snow. The sides of the mountain are cover- 
ed with trees, called pinon, and are inhabited by a 
tribe of Indians who are entirely uncivilized. 

The pinon tree bears a nut about half the size of a 
chestnut, which is used very extensively as an article 
of food by the Indians. It grows in a pod or bur, 
which contains twenty -five or thirty nuts, which are 
quite oily. We found large piles, containing many 
bushels of these burs or pods, covered by branches of 
trees and leaves. The nuts are prepared for eating by 
covering over these piles with dirt and setting the heap 
on fire, thus keeping a smouldering fire to bake and 
soften the shells of the nuts. When the shells are 
nearly reduced to charcoal, the kernel of the nut can 
easily be taken out, and they are eaten with great relish. 
25 



380 CAPTUKE OF AN INDIAN CHILD. 

by the Indians. We prospected this mountain for 
many days in different directions, and found eighteen 
ledges containing gold, silver and lead. 

From this mountain we went in a southerly direction, 
and came to a mining place which had been worked. 
Here we found some bones of men and a few mining 
implements, and in the vicinity were four wild horses, 
which we drove into a deep hollow, where, by the help of 
the soldiers, I secured them with a lasso. We return- 
ed from this deserted mine to telescope mountain, 
where our friend Hughes left us and returned to his 
party. 

Captain McFarland selected this vicinity as a reser- 
vation for the United States government, deeming the 
land valuable for mining purposes. Our provisions 
having become scarce, we hastened onward to Fort In- 
dependence. The day after leaving the mountain, we 
reached Death Valley, where we found some Indian 
camps, their fires still burning, but no Indians in sight. 
On going to a stream of water near by one of these 
camps, I discovered an Indian boy about four years 
old lying on the ground, in a small bunch of rushes. 
As soon as he saw me he started to run, but I caught 
him and carried him to camp. He was quite wild and 
would neither talk, cry, or eat. After being with us 
two days he came to his appetite and took some food. 
We took a supply of water and crossed the desert 
ninety miles without seeing any springs. In this try- 
ing journey we lost four horses, that perished from 
want of water. On our arrival at the opposite side of 
the desert, we saw signs of water, and by digging pro- 
cured a good supply for ourselves and remaining ani- 
mals. We camped at this place several days, and 
named it "Grrape Vine Canyon," on account of the 



ANOTHER PROSPECTING PARTY. 381 

great number of wild grapes in the vicinity. In eight 
days after leaving this canyon, we arrived at Fort In- 
dependence. On our route the Indian boy made sever- 
al unsuccessful attempts to escape, and on our arrival 
at the fort I gave him to a lady, who named him 
"Good Luck." Some eight days after our arrival at 
the fort, the mother of this Indian boy arrived and 
claimed the child. The lady, Mrs. Hughes, employed 
the squaw to live with her as a servant, and sent the 
little boy to school, where he learned English rapidly. 
The last I knew of them the squaw and child still re- 
mained with Mrs. Hughes. 

After being paid off for my services as guide and in- 
terpreter to Captain McFarland's expedition, I stayed 
about the vicinity of the fort a short time to recruit my 
mules. During my stay here I made the acquaintance 
of five men who were about to start, with a Mexican 
guide, for a mountain about one hundred and fifty 
miles distant, in the direction of the Colorado river. 
They stated that the mountain abounded in minerals, 
and showed me some specimens, said to come from 
there, which were very rich. I concluded to go with 
them, and we started, well mounted and well armed, 
for we felt that with a party so small as ours, it was 
necessary to take all precaution for our safety. 

We arrived at the mountain and prospected several 
days, finding some ledges of silver and copper ore. 
We killed four ibex or mountain sheep, and dried the 
meat to take with us in a further exploration. We 
proceeded towards the Colorado river a day, and, find- 
ing nothing, returned to Slate range, where I saw some 
mineral ledges and coal. From thence we proceeded to- 
wards the Hot Springs. 

These springs are near a small lake, and we discov- 



332 HOT SPRINGS. 

ered their locality long before reaching them from the 
column of steam which rose in the air. When we 
came to one spring it was boiling like a pot and con- 
siderable sulphur was below it, having been deposited 
by the water running from the spring. My mule 
chanced to step into the water soon after it left the 
spring, and his unusually quick movements in getting 
out of it satisfied me it was warm, to say the least. 
About twenty yards from this spot was a spring of 
pure cold water. At these springs and vicinity I found 
many curiosities of different kinds. Four or five miles 
from the Hot Springs we found a mountain or hill some 
three hundred feet in height, which is almost a solid 
mass of matter that resembles a green or dark colored 
glass bottle, and we concluded to call it the " Glass 
Mountain." The appearance of the ledges and entire 
surface indicated volcanic action at some former 
period. 

As we were getting short of provisions, we concluded 
to go at once to Lone Pine, which place we reached in 
safety. We remained at Lone Pine two weeks recruit- 
ing and laying in provisions, and then with several 
others we started for a mining camp called Yellow 
Pine, near the town of Colorado. Here we found near- 
ly one hundred and fifty miners at work in the differ- 
ent ledges. In prospecting here I found a ledge of 
silver imbedded in rock so hard I could not break it 
profitably, and sold it out to a party from San Fran- 
cisco for four hundred dollars. It proved to be a val- 
uable mine. I remained here a while carrying water 
with my two jacks to the miners, which netted me 
about five dollars per day. 

This added one more to the instances where I 
had made a discovery of very valuable mines, which 



EXPERIENCE IN MINING. 383 

I was not able to work for want of capital, which the 
reader, who has followed me through this narrative, 
will recollect. My experience has been similar to that 
of most miners who worked with little capital. At 
times I have been very successful, and would seem to 
be on the road to fortune ; but after exhausting that 
claim, my profits would all be melted away in pros- 
pecting before I found another paying claim. But cap- 
italists, men with means to procure the necessary 
machinery for working mines similar to the one just 
mentioned, have made immense fortunes, where a man 
without capital could not have made enough to keep 
soul and body together. 

While at Yellow Pine I heard of some mines that 
were paying large profits in the edge of Lower Califor- 
nia, about two hundred miles distant, and with a party 
started for them. Arriving there we found where the 
mines had been worked, and we encamped near a small 
stream of water in the vicinity. On looking around I 
found the bodies of two dead miners, whose broken 
skulls indicated the work of Indians. From the ap- 
pearance of the bodies I judged that they had been 
killed only a few hours. I returned to the men and 
advised preparations for defense. Placing our provi- 
sions and mining implements in a favorable spot, we 
cut down small trees and piled around them for a tem- 
porary breastwork in case of attack. We prepared 
our supper early, so as to have no fire at night to at- 
tract the attention of any Indians that might be in the 
neighborhood. 

After supper we were surprised by a Mexican woman 
coming into our camp in great excitement. She said 
she came from a small camp of Mexican miners, a 
short distance below us. The night preceding, a party 



384 PUKSUING INDIANS. 

of Indians, belonging to the Maricopas tribe, came into 
their camp, pretending to be friendly. When they had 
an opportunity they rose and attacked the Mexicans, 
and she fled from the camp, in her fear not waiting to 
see what became of her husband and child. She had 
remained secreted all day, and on coming out of her 
hiding place at night had fortunately seen our camp. 
The next day, about sunset, her husband came into 
our camp from New River, about thirty miles away, 
the nearest settlement, with forty Americans and Mex- 
icans he had been there to get to aid him in his search 
for his wife and child. Her husband was very glad to 
find her safe in our camp, and inquired where his child 
was. She told him she could not find it, and that the 
Indians must have killed it or taken it off with them. 
On learning that I had had some experience in hunting 
Indians, he asked me to join in the pursuit for the re- 
covery of his child, but I replied that it was too late 
to start that night, and that we had better bury the two 
dead men, which we did. He said their names were 
' ' Louis ' ' and ' ' Antoine ' ' — that they were French Ca- 
nadians, but he knew nothing of their relatives, or 
whether they had any. They had been allowed to 
work in their mine to make their party larger in case 
of attack. 

The next morning early I accompanied his party in 
pursuit of the Indians, leaving my party to guard the 
camp and take care of the provisions and animals. 
We struck their trail, and about 3 o'clock that after- 
noon I discovered smoke a short distance ahead of us. 
I told the others to remain where they were, and I 
would go up among the rocks and ascertain their posi- 
tion and strength, and signal to them to come on,, if 
prudent ; if not, I would return. After satisfying my- 



THE ATTACK. 385 

self that we were more than a match for the Indians, I 
beckoned to my companions to come on cautiously. 
When they had crept up close to me, I pointed out to 
the father of the lost child his little innocent sitting not 
far from the Indians, who were gathered around a fire 
feasting on a mule which they had killed, and were 
cooking by roasting pieces over the fire. I told them 
if I was to command the party they must obey orders, 
to which they consented. 

My orders were that we should crawl still nearer, 
fire on them, and then rush in on them at once. After 
crawling about fifty yards further, we all fired, taking- 
care not to hit the child. I selected for my man one 
standing with his back toward me, and who was toast- 
ing a piece of mule meat for the child. My ball struck 
him in the small of the back, and passed through his 
body into the fire, scattering the brands. A friend 
near me fired on two Indians who were cutting out 
pieces of the mule, and, as both of them stood in 
range, the ball killed both. Five other Indians were 
killed at the first fire and several wounded. As we 
rushed upon them they fled, leaving the child, who was 
soon caught up in the arms of its father. When the 
Indians reached the top of the hill, they stopped and 
halloed to me in Spanish, telling me they were friendly 
Indians. I inquired of what fort they claimed protec- 
tion. They replied of Fort Yuma. I then asked what 
they were doing in this part of the country, to which 
they made no reply. The chief, who was standing on 
a high rock, showed a paper, which he said was given 
him by a United States ofiicer, and which would show 
that they were friendly ; adding, that he should go to 
the fort and tell how we had killed his people. The 
Mexican, who had recovered his child, raised his rifle 



386 ATTEMPT TO GAIN TIME. 

and shot the lying chief dead ; saying to me, he will 
give no information now. This talk and showing of 
the paper was only a rnse to gain time for the remain- 
der of his Indians, who were not far off, to reach them, 
when they would attack us. In half an hour after, on 
our return, we were attacked by about one hundred 
and fifty Indians, and one Mexican of our party was 
killed. We fought and retreated back to our camp, 
when, being joined by the remainder of our party, we 
drove off the Indians, killing a number and wounding 
many. The meeting of the mother and child was very 
affecting. After having lunched hastily on cold meats, 
we went to work and built a rock fortification, or 
breastwork, five feet high, of rough stones piled up 
carelessly, but it answered every purpose. 

In the party that came with me from Colorado dis- 
trict, California, were two men named Jones and Pat- 
terson, who were my especial friends ; and we three 
had much influence over the others. We planned 
many arrangements for the company, among the rest a 
kind of supply party, or express escort, to get pro- 
visions, &c, from the nearest settlements. 

After constructing our breastwork, which seemed 
capable of protecting double our number, we consid- 
ered that by posting sentinels we should be enabled 
to work the mines without danger from attack. 

The next morning we were startled by a Mexican 
receiving an arrow fired by some unseen party. We 
sprang for our guns, and some ran behind the breast- 
work, but no Indians could be seen in the brush, 
nor could we find any after searching in all direc- 
tions. 

About 3 o'clock that same afternoon, our camp was 
further strengthened by the arrival of about twenty- 



A GOOD month's work. 387 

five Mexicans and Americans, which made ns number 
in all eighty persons, and we felt quite secure after- 
wards. We were now ready to commence mining, and 
we formed a sort of partnership, each to share equally 
in the profits of the whole, to be divided at the close of 
each month. As our company was about equally di- 
vided — Mexicans and Americans — it was thought best 
to make two working parties, one of each nation, to 
avoid any trouble that might arise if they were in too 
close companionship. We worked in this way for a 
month with very good success, as it was found at the 
end of that time that we had made eighty thousand 
dollars. This sum, according to our agreement, was 
divided among the company, giving to each man one 
thousand dollars. The news of our success was soon 
spread abroad, and, as the result, large numbers of 
miners soon made their appearance, attracted by the 
supposed richness of the mines. The advent of honest 
miners was all well enough, but the news also brought 
an undue proportion of gamblers, thieves, and cut- 
throats. 

Seeing this unfortunate rush of villains, and know- 
ing that we were in greater danger from them than from 
the Indians, I conferred with my friends Jones and Pat- 
terson, in relation to leaving the place before we got 
into difficulty or lost our gold. They agreed with me 
that we had better leave, especially as the mines would 
not yield so much the next month as the first, for the 
surface gold was nearly exhausted and the shafts were 
getting deeper and growing more difficult. They asked 
me if we should return the way we came, and I said 
by no means, for all the desperadoes were taking that 
route in coming here, and if they saw us returning 
north, would be likely to infer that we were loaded 



388 AN UNWELCOME VISITOE. 

with gold dust, and try to assassinate us ; or we might 
be followed by some of the new comers. We con- 
cluded to leave suddenly in the night, and by a differ- 
ent route. We started before daybreak for the moun- 
tains, traveling slowly with our mules for three or four 
days, prospecting by the way. At the end of this 
time we came to a nice gulch, or hollow, where the ap- 
pearances were favorable for gold digging. Game of 
all kinds abounded in the vicinity, and we concluded 
to remain and camp there a few days to prospect for 
gold, also to secure some meat. I told Jones and Pat- 
terson if they would go out prospecting, I would go 
out and kill some deer. They started out to see what 
they could find, and in a short time I succeeded in 
killing two deer, which I dressed, and was busy cook- 
ing a good supper from one of them, when my friends 
arrived. They reported that the prospect of gold was 
slim, and they did not think it advisable to remain. 
After eating supper, we hung the remainder of our 
venison on some low trees, and made up our beds for 
the night. This is a very simple operation, and con- 
sists of spreading a blanket on the ground, placing 
a rifle under one side, and a revolver under the end 
designed for the head of the bed, to protect them from 
dew or rain, and have them within easy reach in case 
of need. After completing our chamber work, we 
seated ourselves about the fire, smoking and talking 
till about 9 o' clock. We were just congratulating our- 
selves on our escape from the outlaws, when I heard a 
crackling in the brush, near where we had left the 
mules. I suggested that there might be a grizzly up 
there, but Jones said it must be the animals, and we 
paid no further attention to it, but kept on talking, 
when suddenly an enormous bear, probably attracted 



EETALIATIOl^. 389 

by the smell of our venison, sprang into our camp, be- 
tween us and our arms, and faced us. We were not 
long in giving up our quarters to our unwelcome vis- 
itor, and Jones and Patterson made all haste to get into 
one tree, while I took to another. The bear then very 
coolly walked up to our meat, and as he appeared to 
have a good appetite, did not leave enough of it for a 
man' s breakfast, when he turned and laid down in the 
middle of one of our beds, and composed himself for a 
night's rest. From our elevated position we could 
look down on him, but it was with no kindly feelings. 
About daylight he got up, stretched himself, and start- 
ed for some water. Now was our opportunity, and we 
were not slow to improve it. Hastily descending from 
the trees, where we had been compelled to pass the 
night in a way that did not tend to increase our regard 
for our visitor, we seized our rifles and cautiously pur- 
sued him. We came upon him, drinking at a small 
stream a short distance from our camp, when Jones 
shot him through the neck, and I hit him just over the 
eye, which killed him instantly. We dressed him on 
the spot, taking from him sufficient steak for breakfast, 
in place of the venison steak he had stolen from us, 
and prepared the remainder of the carcass for future 
use. 

After we had eaten our breakfast, we laid down and 
slept till afternoon, when I went to look after our mules. 
I found my jacks missing and did not find them till I 
had searched two days, when I brought them into camp. 
They were so frightened by the bear that they wander- 
ed off farther than I ever knew them to stray before. 
In my travel after my jacks I saw several species of 
bears, grizzly, black, and cinnamon, but they were not 
near by and I concluded not to attack them. During 



390 



PLENTY OF GAME. 



my absence my friends had killed a deer, and I enjoy- 
ed my supper of venison steak very much, as my ap- 
petite was good. I told them I considered that we were 
in greater danger from bears in this vicinity than we 
were from the desperadoes we left at the mining camp, 
and to my mind it seemed like jumping out of the fry- 
ing pan into the fire. So we agreed to pack up and 
leave these pests, and go where we need not be on the 
lookout for bears day and night. We left early next 
morning and traveled three days, in which time I think 
we saw more game in the way of bears and deer, than 
I ever saw before in my life. 




CHAPTEE XXYI. 

AFTEK going a short distance, we came across a 
wild steer, and I told my companions that we 
must be nearing some settlement. The steer was 
frightened, and left at the top of his speed. We jour- 
neyed on till evening, when, seeing a stream of water, 
we camped for the night and prepared supper. Soon 
we heard the barking of a dog, and on looking around 
discerned a light in the distance, which seemed to come 
from some house. Jones wanted to saddle up and go 
towards it, but I persuaded him to remain where we 
were till morning. Early in the morning, after eating, 
we proceeded in the direction of the light we had seen 
the evening previous, and came to a very large and 
thrifty looking Mexican ranche and stock farm. When 
we arrived the people were milking the cows, and on 
seeing us became frightened and ran to the house, but 
they soon returned and inquired our business. Among 
them was an old gray -haired man, who asked us 
what nation we belonged to. The reader must bear in 
mind that we had on our mining suits, with hat-brims 
nearly the size of a small umbrella ; and with our re- 
volvers hanging in our belts, and rifles slung over our 
backs, we must have presented a terrifying appear- 
ance to civilized people. 

We answered the old man, who seemed to be the 
owner of the place, and looked old enough to be a 
rival of Methuselah, that we were Americans, travel- 
ing towards the coast in hopes of finding a seaport 



392 HOSPITABLE FEIENDS. 

town or settlement of some sort. He replied that he 
had heard of Americans bnt had never seen one 
before. Probably few people had ever seen just such 
looking Americans as we were. We conversed freely 
in Spanish, and told him not to be frightened in the 
least, for we should not harm him or his family, but 
would like to buy some milk if he could spare it. He 
said he never sold anything to travelers, but that we 
were welcome to anything on his place. He invited 
us into the house, and showed us a room where we 
could make ourselves comfortable, and offered to send 
us some milk at once. He sent us three wooden bowls 
and three wooden spoons, a bucket of milk, and a 
sack of pinola, which is a kind of meal made by 
pounding parched corn in a mortar. 

We told the old man we would like to remain with 
him a few days to recruit our animals. To this he 
readily consented, and when the time came for us to 
leave he insisted that we should tarry longer. As he 
insisted upon it, we remained about a month, the old 
man enjoying my Spanish conversation, and delighted 
to hear of our adventures. 

The old man gave us an invitation, after we had been 
there some time, to accompany his family in gathering 
prickly pears. We willingly accepted the invitation, 
for the old man had some interesting daughters who 
desired us to go as much as he did. He told us not to 
touch the pears, but to let his servants pick them, as 
they had the tools to do it with, but we could not do it 
with our hands. My friend Patterson thought he 
would try and gather a few, and did so. Attempting 
to taste one he got his mouth so full of prickles that 
he was busy that day in getting them out. We got 
back to the house towards evening, having passed a 



A FRIEND IN A DEER TRAP. 393 

very pleasant day. One day, in riding out some miles 
from the house with our aged host, I had my rifle 
along. The old man said he had seen guns before, 
but never saw one used, and was very anxious that I 
should show him the effect of a shot. A deer started 
up within long range, when I shot him through, much 
to the astonishment of my companion. We tied the 
deer to my saddle and returned to the house. 

The manner of catching deer in that country is with 
a spring-pole and a snare. One evening Mr. Jones 
invited one of the daughters to take a walk with him 
into the woods to look around a little, and have some 
private conversation ; for both of my friends had 
picked up considerable Spanish, and could talk with 
the girls. Suddenly Mr. Jones found himself elevated 
in the air about ten feet, and hanging by one leg, hav- 
ing accidentally stepped his foot into one of these 
spring traps. The girl by his side screamed, but could 
not extricate him ; and Patterson and myself, who 
were strolling about at no great distance, hearing the 
noise went to his assistance. On our return to the 
house, the joke was too good to keep, and we gave the 
old man a full description of the affair, at which he 
laughed heartily, and asked Jones if he did not think 
these spring traps better than guns, as they saved 
using powder. 

Our host invited us one day to take a ride and look 
at his stock. The cattle were to be gathered from the 
plain, driven into a large field which was enclosed by 
a high fence, and such as required it caught and 
branded. This is an annual custom in that section, 
and at this time all new cattle and such of the increase 
of the herd as have arrived at a proper age are brand- 
ed. He inquired if I understood using the lasso. I 



394 LASSOING. 

told him if he would give me a good horse and the 
right kind of a saddle, I thought I could help him 
some. He furnished me with these and a lasso, and I 
started with the old man and his servants, while Jones 
and Patterson remained at home, chatting with the 
women, because there were no more outfits of riding 
saddles, lassos, &c. We succeeded in bringing in 
about one thousand head, of all ages, and getting them 
inside the enclosure, when the gate was shut and the 
work of lassoing commenced. The old man was very 
much surprised when he found that I could lasso as 
many as any of his servants. Jones and Patterson 
stood looking through the fence to see the sport of las- 
soing and branding the cattle, and going up to them I 
saw the girls were with them, gazing with pleasure at 
our success. One of the girls said I might be an Amer- 
ican, but they had never heard that Americans were 
acquainted with that business. I had to explain to 
them that evening all of my four years' captivity 
among Indians, and how I used the lasso among them 
as well as in Mexico afterwards. 

A peculiar looking building adjoining the old man's 
residence attracted my curiosity, and I asked him what 
it was for. He replied that he built it as a church, and 
invited us to look inside. We entered, after removing 
our hats according to custom, and saw that it was very 
nicely fitted up, with crosses, representations of the 
Virgin Mary and saints, statues, flowers, candles, and 
everything usually found in such chapels. I asked 
him how they performed the marriage ceremony in that 
part of the country. He said he had an old Indian 
priest who had received the power to' marry and per- 
form some services, having been instructed in Latin 
somewhat, and invested with authority sufficient at 



PLEADING A FRIEND' S CAUSE. 395 

least for that purpose. For his part, he thought he 
could marry parties as well as priests, for mutual love 
and consent were the main points ; the rest was of 
small consequence. 

After we had retired for the night, Mr. Patterson 
made the remark that he thought he should have to 
employ the old Indian priest to marry him to one of 
the girls. This was such a surprise to me that I asked 
him if he was in earnest or joking. He said he meant 
it, but did not know how to approach the old man on 
the subject ; but as far the girl was concerned, she was 
willing enough, he knew ! I asked Patterson if it was 
not a pretty short acquaintance, when he laughed and 
said it was, rather, but they had improved every min- 
ute and made rapid progress in their courtship. He 
thought the risk on his part was trifling compared to 
the girl' s, and there was nothing like trying, anyhow. 
He thought the girl would marry him out of pure love, 
for he confessed there was nothing attractive about his 
appearance. He begged me, as I could talk Spanish 
better than he, and had more influence with her father, 
to say a good word for him the next morning after he 
had mustered courage to ask his consent, which I 
agreed to do. 

After breakfast, he approached the old gent on the 
subject, to which he replied that if the girl was wil- 
ling, and Patterson would agree to stay there and live 
with him, he had no objections. I was taken aside by 
him and asked if I knew Patterson's history, and 
whether he had a wife already. My answer was that 
I knew nothing of him except for a few weeks, but 
liked him and believed he was an honest man ; also^. 
that he had often represented to me that he was a sin> 

gle man. 

26 



396 A SINGULAR WEDDING. 

The Sunday following was fixed upon for the marri- 
age, and on that day they were duly united. The old 
Indian who pronounced them man and wife was about 
as brief in his ceremonies as he was unintelligible, for 
his language was a compound of several tongues, viz. : 
Indian, Spanish, and Latin ; but the bride and groom 
were apparently impressed with the important fact that 
they had undergone some strange transformation ! We 
had a fine dinner served, and after that a dance, which 
was enlivened by occasional sips of domestic wine, 
some of which was so old that the year of its manu- 
facture was forgotten. For music we had the services 
of two Indians, one of whom played on a flute made 
of a sugar. cane, and the other had a fiddle of his own 
construction, made more for wear than for fine music 
— particularly wear of the nerves. We tried to keep 
step to the music, but owing to the grape juice or the 
quick motions of the musicians, we made rather con- 
fused work of it. The dance was concluded by mid- 
night, at which hour Jones and I retired to our room 
to consult in regard to the policy of resuming our 
journey, and to mourn the loss of our genial and 
clever companion, Patterson. 

The next day we announced that our visit among 
our hospitable friends was about to end, and we 
were obliged to leave. The old gentleman insisted 
that we should remain with him, but we told him 
we had more important business to attend to. He 
requested us to stay until he could furnish us with 
provisions for our journey, as it was a long distance to 
a seaport where communication by steamer with Cali- 
fornia was possible, and advised us to go to La Paz, 
at the southern part of the peninsula of Lower Cali- 
fornia, as he had understood the California steamers 



PEARL DIVERS. 397 

touched there. Accordingly we staid two days longer, 
during which, he had a beef killed, and prepared from 
it a quantity of dried strips, which, with many other 
things, he presented us for our comfort on the way. 

The morning we left he presented us with two fine 
saddle horses, with the remark that it was foolish to 
travel on mules or jacks in a country where horses 
were so plenty. We offered to pay for the horses, but 
he said we were welcome to them. He also gave us 
directions for the route to La Paz, which was about 
three hundred miles distant, for we were not far from 
the center of the peninsula of Lower California. 

We then bade our friend Patterson and the family 
good bye, leaving our mules with Patterson and 
mounting our new horses, and leading our jacks, we 
headed due south for La Paz, which port we reached 
in eight days, suffering considerably for want of water 
on the route. On reaching La Paz we found revolu- 
tionary disturbances among the Mexicans there, one 
party sustaining and the other opposing Governor 
Dominguez. He learned of our arrival and invited us 
to co-operate with him in his cause, but we declined 
on the plea that we were there for a day or two only 
and should leave by the first steamer. As there was 
no steamer in port, and we thought it dangerous to 
remain there, we went northerly on the coast of the 
Californian Gulf to a small port called Incenal, where 
we saw many Indians and Mexicans engaged in pearl 
diving, and some of them possessed a faculty of remain- 
ing under water for a long time. One of the divers 
was caught by a shark, and I saw him devoured. I pur- 
chased two pearls from the divers, paying twenty -five 
dollars for them, one of which was about the size of a 
common grape. 



398 VISIT TO GTJAYMAS. 

Here we changed our minds about going to Califor- 
nia, and concluded to cross the gulf to Guaymas, in 
Sonora, and visit my old friends. We were partly in- 
fluenced to this decision by seeing the captain of a 
small vessel, who was bound for Guaymas and urged us 
to go along with him. We had some difficulty in getting 
our animals on board, but the captain and crew finally 
succeeded. Arriving at Guaymas and getting ac- 
quainted there with the commander of an English ves- 
sel in port, I sold him my two pearls for two hundred 
and fifty dollars. We remained in Guaymas several 
days, visiting some of my friends, then proceeded to- 
wards the interior of the state, stopping awhile at a 
mining camp called Brunces. At these mines they 
extract the silver from the lead by smelting the whole 
in a furnace, running in into pigs, after which the sil- 
ver is easily separated. Other ledges in the vicinity, 
where the silver is mixed with the rock, are worked by 
the amalgamation process. In this process the ore and 
rock are first pulverized and mixed with quicksilver 
and water, when the whole is well worked together by 
being placed in a vat and stirred up by a wheel or ro- 
tary machine, when the metals settle to the bottom and 
the refuse passes out with the water when drawn off, 
when the silver and quicksilver are gathered into a 
cloth and pressed, which partly separates them. The 
operation is completed by heating the remainder quite 
hot, when the silver rises to the top. 

From here we went to the Pimos Indian village, 
which is a collection of adobe houses. They are 
square, and the door or entrance is in the roof. On 
the edge of the roof, all around, is a wall pierced with 
portholes for defense. They enter the house by a lad- 
der, and when they reach the roof they draw the 



PBIOS AND OPOTO VILLAGES. 399 

ladder up after them. This tribe is industrious, rais- 
ing corn, wheat, and vegetables ; they are small in 
stature, quite dark in color, and flat nosed, but 
friendly and hospitable. Nearly all of these Indians 
speak Spanish. Their chief amusement is in playing 
ball, using a large indiarubber ball weighing seven or 
eight pounds. In playing, when the ball bounds they 
strike it with their hips instead of a club. We stop- 
ped several days with the chief, whose name was 
Mattio, and he made us welcome, taking no pay for 
his hospitality. When we were preparing to leave, he 
asked us which way we were going, and when I re- 
plied to the Opoto village, he said it was unsafe for us 
to go without an escort on account of the Apaches, 
and furnished ten of his warriors to accompany us. 
He also furnished abundant provision for our journey. 

About midway between the two villages we encoun- 
tered a dozen Apache Indians who were driving about 
twenty -five head of cattle and several mules and jacks. 
We fired on them and killed two of their number, the 
rest fleeing and leaving their animals in our posses- 
sion. We hurried on with our captured beasts for 
fear of some larger force of Apaches who might pur- 
sue us. Arriving at the Opoto village, our Indian 
escort reported that we had two Apache scalps, which 
caused a general rejoicing throughout the village. We 
were then taken to the house of the chief, and our 
stock put in a pen, when we received from him a cor- 
dial welcome ; for he was hostile towards the Apaches, 
and was rejoiced to see their scalps. 

The chief said they must have a dance over the 
scalps that night, and asked Jones and myself, with 
our escort, to join them. At the dance they produced 
some liquor which they called mascal, which is made 



400 DANCING OVER SCALPS. 

from a plant that grows similar to a cabbage, which 
yields a fruit which is pounded and the juice extracted 
and fermented by placing in rawhide vessels which are 
hung in the sun. We divided the cattle and mules 
taken from the Apaches, with the Indians who accom- 
panied us, and told the chief to kill two or three of our 
cattle for the feast that night, which was done. A 
large fire was built up near the dancing ground, and 
the dressed beeves were placed near by. When any- 
one wished to eat they would cut pieces from the beef 
and roast it for themselves by holding it over the fire 
on sticks. The two scalps were elevated on tall poles 
in the center of a ring, around which they danced. 
Several hundred Indians — men, women, and children 
— were danring at the same time, which afforded 
Jones and myself much amusement. By midnight 
the majority of the party were drunk, and at one 
o' clock Jones and I went to bed ; but when we arose 
in the morning the dance was still going on and 
nothing left of the two beeves except the bones, much 
of the meat having been wasted. The chief, by our 
direction, had two more of our beeves killed. We 
made some coffee for breakfast and gave the chief 
some, which he said was the first he ever tasted ; he 
called it very fine. This feasting and dancing contin- 
ued three nights, and at the end of it our friendly es- 
cort said they must return to their village. When 
asked how much we should pay them for their services 
as escort, they said they were well paid by the division 
of the captured animals, and started on their return 
perfectly satisfied. 

The Opoto Indians are friendly to whites, but are 
not civilized to any great extent, and they dwell in 
caves or rude huts. They are inferior in appearance, 



401 

with low foreheads, the hair growing down near the 
eyebrows. They raise very little grain, living chiefly 
by hunting. The chief inquired if we were Americans, 
and when told that we were, he said the Mexicans had 
represented that Americans were a bad people, but 
they must be mistaken, for he thought if we were a fair 
sample they were the best people he ever knew. He 
showed me some fine gold in a goose quill, and said it 
came from rich mines in the limits of his tribe, but he 
kept the matter secret for fear of being overrun with 
the Mexican miners. His tribe had learned the value 
of gold by being able to purchase clothing and sup- 
plies with it from the Mexicans. 

We bade this chief adieu, and presented him what 
remained of our share of the cattle captured from the 
Apaches. We were held in high esteem by him before 
we made him this present, but afterwards he was anx- 
ious to do all he could for us ; and when we started 
towards Arizona Territory, he furnished an escort of 
twenty men, who were very willing to accompany us, 
to the next tribe of Publanos. After presenting us to 
the chief of this tribe, who received us very kindly, 
our escort returned. 

In this trip, after leaving Guaymas we had two ob- 
jects in view : one of which was to reach Fort Bu- 
chanan in Arizona, ultimately, and then return to 
California, revisiting certain mineral ledges I had dis- 
covered in my former travels. Another object was to 
make an exploration among certain friendly Indian 
tribes, on our way to Arizona Territory ; and our route 
in northern Mexico was thus necessarily circuitous, for 
we often went out of our way to see some new tribe, or 
visit some new mines we heard of. As we were not 
burdened with cares of family or property, we shaped 



402 THE PUBLANOS. 

our course according to our inclinations, going 
wherever there was a prospect of finding anything en- 
tertaining. 

We visited the Publanos, as we heard much in their 
favor from the Indians we had left. We found them 
an agricultural people, with a nice village, catholic 
church, &c. They raise corn, wheat, and vegetables ; 
have some peach, apple, and pear orchards. They 
have many mills, for grinding their grain, which are 
very rude, and are propelled by mule power, the grain 
being fed to the mill by the hand of a squaw. One 
of these mills will ordinarily grind about two bushels 
of grain per day ; but this amount can be increased 
somewhat, in case of necessity. These Indians are 
copper-colored, with roman nose, and high foreheads, 
showing intelligence in their features and actions ; and 
many of them speak Spanish, and some have blue 
eyes. They have a justice of the peace, independent 
of their chief, whose emblem of authority is a gold 
headed staff. When a trial is to come off, an assistant 
of this justice carries the staff to summon the parties 
to appear before the court. The sight of the staff is 
in effect the same as a warrant. When the parties are 
all assembled evidence is heard and cases decided ac- 
cording to the testimony. I saw four Indians shack- 
led at the ankles sweeping the streets, under sentence 
of this justice, in punishment for disobeying laws of 
the tribe. These Indians are called quite honest in 
their business dealings, and we had a pleasant visit 
with the chief for a day or two. 

As in the case of the other tribes we had visited, the 
chief urged us to stay longer, when he found we in- 
tended to leave, and on our departure furnished us 
with a party as escort and guides to our next stopping 



SAIKTS' WEEK.' 403 

place. After the escort was provided we packed our 
animals and went to Magdalena, a Spanish town, where 
we found the Mexicans indulging in the ceremonies of 
Saints' week. They had a great procession, at the 
head of which was a priest, followed by four young 
ladies carrying a figure representing Christ on a bier, 
and beside it another figure representing the Virgin 
Mary, also borne by young ladies ; and each one in 
the procession was carrying a lighted wax candle. At 
short intervals the procession halted, when all would 
kneel and repeat their prayers. The march through 
the town occupied about three hours, when they all 
returned to the church, w T here they deposited the fig- 
ures of Christ and the Virgin Mary within the altar. 
The ceremonies, varying with each day, lasted from 
Monday till Sabbath morning. No one was allowed to 
eat meat during the time, no bell was allowed to be 
rung, all amusements or indulgence of the passions 
was strictly forbidden, and no one was allowed to ride 
or use an animal in the streets. A party of men pa- 
raded through the town armed with sabres, knives, 
and other weapons, to enforce the orders of the church. 
On Friday the figure of Christ was placed in a coffin, 
in the altar of the church, and the coffin covered with 
wreaths and bouquets of flowers, where it remained 
until ten o' clock in the morning of Sabbath day, when 
it was taken from the coffin and placed in its position 
to show that he had risen from the dead, at which hour 
all the bells in the place began to ring, and the people 
commenced shouting and singing with joy. Just then 
a figure representing Judas Iscariot was brought out 
and mounted on an ass. A rope was stretched across 
the street and the effigy was hung to it, amid the 
shouts of the populace. The figure was filled with fire- 



404 PLA^CHA LA PLATUS. 

works, which, by some slow fuse arrangement, finally 
exploded and blew the thing in pieces, which was the 
grand finale of these religious ceremonies. When this 
was over, the Mexicans commenced horse-racing, cock- 
fighting, drinking, gambling, dealing monte, and play- 
ing all manner of games, which lasted for another 
week. My friend Jones and I enjoyed ourselves for 
these two weeks looking on as spectators. The latter 
week we attended several fandangoes or dances, and 
made some acquaintances. 

We met here two Americans, named White and Mul- 
ligan, who told us of a mountain district near the 
Arizona line called Plancha La Platus (meaning iron 
and silver), where they had been with a small party, 
but had been driven off by Indians. They stated that 
the mountain abounded with minerals, including silver 
ledges. On inquiry we found that several Mexicans in 
Magdalena knew of the mines, and had been to the 
mountain ; but they were also driven off. White 
thought we had better raise a party and go there ; and 
as Jones and Mulligan were ready, I consented to join 
them, and we hired twelve Mexicans as guides and 
escort. Jones and I had eight pack animals, which 
we loaded with supplies and started off, our party 
numbering sixteen, all armed, and ready for mining or 
fighting Indians. On arriving at the place, we found 
plenty of lead and iron, with occasional silver ledges. 
At the foot of the mountain we discovered some ancient 
ruins, indicating that the mines had been worked for- 
merly. We also found some wild cattle and hogs. 
We encamped inside of some old walls, and arranged 
the place for our defense in case of attack. After per- 
fecting these arrangements I took my rifle and went 
out in search of game, and found a fat wild cow, 



PROPOSAL TO THE GOVERNOR OF SONORA. 405 

which I shot. While dressing her I heard a noise on 
the hill near by, and on looking np I saw twelve 
Apache Indians driving and leading abont forty head 
of horses. I hid behind a rock and they did not dis- 
cover me, though they passed within a hundred yards. 
When they were out of sight I returned to camp, where 
I procured help, and went back and secured my beef, 
and brought it into camp. Afterwards I kept a good 
lookout for Indians. In prospecting in this vicinity I 
saw several shafts which had been worked, and found 
metals of different kinds, making selections of many 
choice specimens. Some ledges appeared to be nearly 
pure lead. We had been here eight days, when the 
Mexicans said they could not risk staying any longer 
for fear of the Indians. The Apaches had a regular 
trail which passed near our mines, and they had mur- 
dered all miners that they came in contact with. We 
had seen skulls and other human bones in that vicinity, 
and the sight of them made the Mexicans rather fear- 
ful. We therefore returned to Magdalena, where our 
specimens were tested and pronounced valuable, some 
yielding as high as two thousand dollars per ton. 

I wrote to the governor of Sonora, saying that if he 
would furnish troops we would return and work the 
mines, and divide the profits with him. In reply, he 
wrote that he would see if it was possible, and inform 
me in the course of a month. In about two weeks he 
wrote me that he had not the troops to spare, as there 
was a revolution or political rising in some parts of his 
state, which called for all the troops he had. We saw 
no way of organizing a force of citizens sufficiently 
strong to defend ourselves against three or four thou- 
sand Apache warriors in the district we left, therefore 
we disbanded our company. 



406 AN ESCAPED PRISONER. 

Myself and friend Jones then started for Fort Bu- 
chanan in Arizona, taking no escort this time, as the 
route was much safer and there was considerable travel 
from Magdelena to Fort Buchanan. Still we kept on the 
alert for Apaches, who often attacked travelers by this 
route. The Apaches are the only tribe I ever had a 
lasting dislike to. This may be partly the result of 
being so long associated with their enemies, the Co- 
manches, but the principal reason for it was their low 
treachery, for one never knew when to believe their 
assurances of friendship. At all events, I dreaded a 
meeting with them, unless I had some support, more 
than with any other tribe. 

On our way we stopped over night at Santa Cruz, 
where the Mexicans told us the Indians were plenty, 
ahead of us, and advised us to be on the watch for 
them. At our next camping place, while I was cook- 
ing supper, a Mexican girl, about fifteen years old, 
came suddenly upon us. We started up in surprise at 
the appearance of this half-naked, bare-footed girl. 
She said she had run away in the night from some In- 
dians who had captured her. She was washing clothes 
at a small stream, near her home, about thirty -five 
or forty miles distant, when two Indians stole care- 
fully up and carried her off. When she saw the smoke 
of our fire she hesitated about approaching ; but see- 
ing from our appearance that we were not Indians, she 
had concluded to throw herself on our protection and 
ask us to assist her in reaching her home, where she 
had a widowed mother, with no brothers or sisters. 
She feared her mother would be suffering great anxiety 
on account of her absence. We gave her some food, 
and, as it was early in the evening, we repacked our 
animals and started with the girl for San Antonio, a 



CAPTIVE KEST0EED TO EEIENDS. 407 

mining place about ten miles distant. Here we placed 
the girl under the charge of Mrs. Hatch, whose hus- 
band was foreman of the smelting works. The girl said 
she belonged at Sycamore Ranche, and, Mr. Hatch, 
after providing her with clothing and necessaries for 
her comfort, concluded to send her home the next day 
with a proper guard, and requested me to accompany 
them. A party of eight mounted men volunteered to 
go with me and the girl to her home, which we reached 
without seeing any Indians. The mother of the girl 
had nearly despaired of ever seeing her again, and her 
meeting with her child was very affecting. She was so 
grateful for the part I had taken in her return, that she 
urged me to take one of her mules as a present. This 
I at first declined to do, as I wished no reward for 
what I looked upon as an act of simple humanity ; but 
when I found that she was deeply grieved by my re- 
fusal, I accepted it. She had a large amount of stock, 
and since the death of her husband had carried on a 
very successful business of stock raising, by the help 
of Mexican servants. 

We returned to San Antonio after receiving the bles- 
sing of the old lady, and the warmest thanks of the 
daughter, who appeared to be very well bred and quite 
a modest girl. At the mines we were advised not to 
proceed to Fort Buchanan alone, as two men like us 
would be in great danger of attack from Indians. 
Hearing that government soldiers, were expected to 
arrive soon from the fort with supplies for the miners, 
we waited a day or two and returned with them to Fort 
Buchanan. 

On our arrival at the fort a report came in that ten 
or twelve men, women and children had been assassin- 
ated by the Apaches on the St. Peter' s river. Jones 



408 A TIMID MAJOK. 

and myself were invited by Major Cremona of the 
fort to accompany a party of twenty -two citizens and a 
squad of soldiers, led by him, in pursuit of the mur- 
derers. On reaching the place a shocking sight pre- 
sented itself. The people were murdered and scalped, 
and their property and stock taken away. We fol- 
lowed the trail of the Indians two days, when Major 
Cremona proposed to give up the pursuit for fear the 
party would suffer for want of rations before they got 
back to the fort. I objected to returning, saying that 
he had small sympathy for the dead or their friends, 
to stop now when we were so near the Indians ; for I 
was sure they could not be far in advance of us, as 
they had to drive the cattle they had stolen, and we 
were well mounted. I added, that when we overtook 
them, the cattle would furnish us sufficient food ; and 
if the worst should happen, I could eat mule meat, as 
I had done before. The citizens of our party felt the 
same in regard to the matter as I did, for they felt that 
they were not safe if such raids by Indians were al- 
lowed to go unavenged. But my reasoning did not 
convince the major, who felt unwilling to expose his 
men to the chances of starvation, and returned with 
them to the fort. Jones and I then held a consultation 
with the citizens, and they said they were willing to 
follow me anywhere. We resumed the pursuit, and 
within an hour came up with an ox that had become 
tired out, from which we procured meat enough for our 
wants and pushed on. 

At night we camped near a small stream of water, 
our party being much exhausted, and prepared sup- 
per, making a fire in a deep hollow to avoid being seen 
by the Indians if they were near. After eating, I 
ascended a hill near by, and saw a few miles ahead, 



TAKING KECEIPTS. 409 

several camp fires. I returned to camp, and reported 
the location of the Indians, when the party agreed with 
me that our best plan was to allow our animals to feed 
till about midnight, and then by making a circuit, get 
in advance of the Indians and attack them as they 
came up, as they would not be expecting any foes in 
that direction. This plan was successfully carried out, 
as we got in advance of them about a mile, and posted 
sentinels to warn us of their approach. About day- 
light our sentinels came in and reported the Indians 
near. We then secreted ourselves, and waited till the 
cattle and horses had passed us, and as the Indians, 
who were carelessly following them, not dreaming of 
attack, came abreast of us, we poured a volley 
into them, killing seven and wounding several more. 
One of the wounded Indians fell from his horse, hav- 
ing a bullet through his thigh, and one of our men, 
named Joe Carroll, rushed upon him, when the Indian 
raised up and shot Carroll in the breast with an arrow, 
wounding him severely ; but Carroll had strength to 
kill the Indian. There were about thirty -five or forty 
of the Apaches, and those not killed by our first fire 
escaped through the brush. We pursued them about 
a mile, but only came up with one who was wounded, 
and I despatched him with my revolver. We returned 
and collected the cattle and horses, after which I told 
the party we ought to return in haste, for we might be 
near the Apache nation. 

We scalped the Indians, though some of the party 
said it looked barbarous ; but I kept on scalping, say- 
ing that business men always took receipts, and I 
wanted something to show our success. Taking the 
nine scalps and getting poor Carroll mounted on a 
pony, we set out on our return to the fort as rapidly as 



410 SURPRISE TO SOLDIERS. 

possible. Having to drive many cattle, it was slow 
traveling for a wounded man, and I urged the necessi- 
ty of some one going to the fort for assistance, and a 
surgeon, so as to meet us half way, but no one dared 
venture to make the trip. I drew the arrow head 
from Carroll' s breast, when he began to bleed freely, 
and only lived to reach the place where the massacre 
occurred, where we buried him on the banks of the St. 
Peter' s river, with the bodies of the murdered citizens. 
We had recovered over sixty head of cattle, mules, 
and horses, and having got them so far on our journey, 
felt sure of reaching the fort in safety, which we did 
the next day. 

The officers at the fort were surprised to see us re- 
turn with the stock. They asked me all the particu- 
lars of the fight, which I gave in detail, and showed 
them the nine scalps, which the commanding officer 
gazed at in surprise, and he invited Jones and myself 
to take supper with him. While eating with him, he 
asked us to give him the scalps, as his command of the 
fort would expire in a month, and he wished to take 
them with him to California. I told him he was wel- 
come to take them, if he would publish the truth, and 
credit us citizens with the honor, instead of saying 
that his soldiers did the work. He promised to do so, 
and on his arrival at San Francisco he kept his promise, 
publishing the names of our party in the papers, a list 
of whom I had given him. 

In the course of our conversation at the fort, I told 
him that if the United States government would give 
me a contract to procure Apache scalps at fifty dollars 
each, and allow Jones and me to pick our men from 
the citizens and hunters in those parts, it would be bet- 
ter policy for the government than sending troops into 



FAITHLESS INDIANS. 



411 



that region. It is not probable that snch a course will 
ever be pursued by the government, as it would be 
looked upon as barbarous in the extreme by those who 
still have faith that they can be conciliated and civil- 
ized. But those who hold to this opinion do not know 
the Apaches as I do. There is not one particle of 
honor in the whole tribe. 




27 



OHAPTEE XXYII. 

IN about a week after we arrived at Fort Buchanan a 
brother of a man who was murdered by the 
Apaches, and who owned most of the stock, came and 
claimed them. We delivered him all except ten head, 
which belonged to another citizen that was also killed 
at the time. He offered us a part of the stock for our 
services, but Jones and I declined any compensation. 
As for the rest of our party, they had scattered and 
were not near the fort. He then insisted on our taking 
a fine pair of matched mules which he drove with his 
team. Those mules brought us five hundred dollars at 
the fort, and we divided the money, Jones and I taking 
a part, and the remainder was given to such citizens of 
our party as we could find. , 

Hearing of some gold diggings at a place called Pen- 
alto, where the mines paid well, Jones and myself and 
two Mexican guides set out with supplies for the mines. 
Arriving at Apache Pass, at the government station, 
the officer in command asked us where we were from, 
and where bound. We told him from Fort Buchanan, 
at which he was surprised, because ours was the 
smallest party he had lately seen that came through 
without trouble. He said the United States mail car- 
rier had been killed by Indians the day before, within 
five miles of his station. At his request we consented 
to remain with him for a short time to await the arrival 
of a mule train with machinery for the mines we were 
about to visit. In two days the train arrived, headed 



RESTITUTION. 413 

by Stephen O'Choas, the owner of the teams, and a 
partner in the mines. In the train were twenty-four 
wagons, loaded with tools, machinery or supplies, 
with ten mules to each wagon. The third night after 
leaving Apache Pass, the train was attacked at Willow 
Creek by Apaches, who succeeded in running off 
eighteen mules. I proposed to Mr. O'Choas that we 
should pursue the thieves ; but he objected on account 
of the delay, preferring to lose the mules. 

Finally we arrived at Penalto, where we found a 
great number of miners, some at work, and others 
prospecting. Jones and I went to work, but barely 
paid expenses ; as surface mining, which at first paid 
remarkably well, had about given out, and the gold 
could not be found in any paying quantities, except in 
ledges, which must be worked by companies possessed 
of capital, with quartz machine crushers, and all the 
necessary appliances. The place was rapidly filling up 
with desperate characters, intent on plunder. 

I told some of the miners that a vigilance committee 
should be organized to preserve order, which suited 
the honest part of the miners, and they held a meeting 
for that purpose, organized a society, and commenced 
operations immediately on one desperado named John 
Jenkins, who had committed two murders. He was 
arrested and hung on a tree at once. Another man 
who had robbed a miner of four hundred dollars worth 
of gold dust, was caught and compelled to restore the 
money to the man he had robbed, and as he received 
bruises in the fight he had with tne villain when he 
robbed him, which disabled him for a fortnight, we also 
demanded for the miner his expenses and remuneration 
for his lost time. Then ten minutes was allowed this 
thief to quit the place for good, or be hung. He 



414 BEAVER TRAPPING. 

begged for a mule or horse as he was lame, when a 
miner, out of pity, gave him a worn out jack that was 
turned out to die, and he moved off in great fear, re- 
questing us to make due allowance of time if the old 
bob-tailed jack should happen to balk with him before 
he got out of the place. 

After the crowd had seen this one off, we went around 
the place and gave notice to the gamblers and all per- 
sons who did not make their living honestly to go to 
work or leave the camp within twenty-four hours. A 
part of them left and the others went to work, and 
after this the camp was more quiet and few disturb- 
ances occurred. These Penalto mines lay east of 
Apache Pass, between Mesilla and EllPasso del Norte. 
Jones and myself remained here about six weeks, when 
I met a French Creole, a trapper, who was called Mon- 
sieur Louis. He informed me that he had about fifty 
traps, and every thing required, and was on his way 
to the Gila river to trap beaver, which were very plenty 
there. He said he did not like to go alone, and if 
Jones and I would join him, we would share alike in 
what we caught, which he was confident would pay us 
better than mining where we were. 

Here a change of adventure was open to us, and we 
did not hesitate long in accepting the Creole' s offer, but 
packed our animals with provisions and ammunition, 
and were off with him for the head waters of the Gila 
river. Arriving there we found encouraging signs of 
beaver, and camped awhile, having some success, for I 
knew how to bait the animals with a scent composed 
of several ingredients. I told the Creole that the fur 
was inferior, as the climate was too warm. After 
catching about forty and curing the skins, we left for 
the Colorado, where we found great numbers of beaver, 



VISITED BY A SPY. 415 

but the skins were as poor as the others. After remain- 
ing about ten days, we had caught one hundred and 
fifty beaver, and dressed the skins, which we added to 
our former lot, and baled some of them up, intending 
to ship them to market. 

The last evening we spent here, an old Indian squaw 
came into our camp and pretended to be very hungry. 
I had my suspicions that she was a spy, and had come 
into our presence to learn the numbers and strength of 
our party, and report to her tribe that they might 
judge whether it would be safe to attack us. I gave 
her what she wanted to eat ; and then she proposed to 
leave ; but I told her she must remain over night, and 
we made her as comfortable as possible. During the 
night she attempted to escape, but Louis leveled his 
rifle and bade her lay down. She sat down by the fire 
and cried, which convinced me that she had a party 
lying in wait to attack us. We kept a close watch over 
her till morning, when we finished baling our furs, 
packed our animals, and started for Prescott mines in 
the Mohave Indian nation, the Frenchman acting as 
guide. We mounted the squaw on a mule, and tied 
her on to prevent her escape. When we got near 
Prescott mines, when we thought we were out of dan- 
ger from her friends, we let her go, giving her some 
provisions to last her on her tramp homeward. 

At Prescott we found rich mines and silver ledges, 
worked by a large company ; but no good surface dig- 
gings nor sight for us to remain. We therefore pro- 
ceeded with a party for Fort Yuma on the Colorado 
river. On our way we saw a fine country, with rich 
soil, which was fast being settled by Texan emigrants. 
On our way we passed through the village of the 
Maricopus Indians, on the Gila river, who were a very 



416 A TRIP TO SONORA. 

friendly people, and reached Fort Yuma without any 
mishaps or skirmishes with the enemy. On our arrival 
at the fort we learned that a vessel was expected soon 
to arrive from San Francisco, and decided to wait for 
it, thinking it would afford us an opportunity to send 
our furs to market. When the vessel arrived we 
placed our furs in charge of Mr. Hooper, who supplied 
the fort monthly with provisions from San Francisco. 
He offered to take our furs to San Francisco, dispose 
of them to the best advantage, and bring or remit to us 
the proceeds at Fort Yuma. 

While at the fort, General Banning and Colonel Kel- 
ler came there on their way to Sonora to confer with 
the governor of that state on important business. 
Finding that I was well acquainted with Governor Pes- 
quiera, they offered me good pay to accompany them 
as an interpreter and guide, which I accepted^ I told 
my friends Louis and Jones to remain at the fort till I 
returned from the trip, which might occupy a month, 
to which they consented ; for they wanted to see the 
result of the fur shipment, and it would be several 
weeks before any returns could be got. I went with 
the general and colonel in a four horse stage. Feeling 
somewhat alarmed on account of the stage robberies 
on that line, we were well provided with revolvers, and 
I took along my favorite rifle. After the first day's 
journey our route lay through a sandy desert, where 
water was a scarce article for ninety -five miles ; and we 
were obliged to carry enough, in leather bottles or 
kegs, to keep ourselves and horses from dying with 
thirst. We also took provisions and some forage. 

In crossing this desert, it is dangerous to lie down, 
as almost every bunch of sage-brush contains a rattle- 
snake. It was a long and tedious ride through the 



INTERVIEW WITH GOVERNOR PESQUIERA. 417 

sand, but when we reached Dalton station, we laid over 
to recruit a little, and started with a change of horses 
for Ures, the capital of Sonora. The next station after 
leaving Dalton was Altar, where they told us it was 
dangerous to travel further, without protection, from 
Apaches and robbers. The general therefore hired 
eight mounted Mexicans as an escort, to accompany us 
to the capital, where we arrived in safety and were glad 
to find good hotel accommodations after our fatigue and 
peril. I went that evening to see the governor, and re- 
ceived a very hearty welcome from him. I informed 
him that General Banning and Colonel Keller were 
there from California, and wished to have an interview 
whenever it would be convenient. He made an ap- 
pointment to meet them the following day at his office. 
The next day when we were assembled in his office, 
I introduced my friends, and the governor was so 
pleased with the nature of their business that he 
brought out several bottles of champagne, and the in- 
terview became a very social one. They invited the co- 
operation of the governor in the establishing of a port 
at some favorable point just below the mouth of the 
Colorado on the coast of Sonora, for the convenience 
of the interior trade with Arizona and upper Mexico. 
The governor assured them he would do all in his 
power to further their plans and wishes ; and added, 
that when he was driven from his own country into 
Arizona he had been treated very kindly by the Amer- 
icans, and it was through their influence he had re- 
gained his position ; and that he felt under obligations 
to return their kindness. He said I was a witness to 
those matters as I was a captain in his artillery and in- 
terpreter for him at the time. He said the opening of 
the port did not rest with him, but that he would send 



418 A BULL FIGHT. 

a dispatch to the President of Mexico and inform him 
in writing of the advantages that wonld accrue to the 
state of Sonora, and do all in his power to bring about 
the desired result. General Banning and Colonel Kel- 
ler were perfectly satisfied with this, and said that was 
all they could ask of him. The governor gave a splen- 
did ball that evening, and invited us to attend, which 
invitation was thankfully accepted. 

The following day preparations were made to pro- 
ceed to the proposed port to make examinations, with 
an engineer named Captain Polamus, who was brought 
on by General Banning. This was on Saturday — the 
governor told them that he was to have a bull-fight on 
the following day (Sunday), and invited us to remain 
to witness it, and the general and party finally con- 
cluded to remain. The fight commenced about 3 
o'clock, P. M., and six high spirited bulls were fought. 
A bull-fight amphitheater is large enough to seat an 
audience of three or four thousand people, with a large 
circular pit in the center, which is separated from the 
outside or circle of seats by a safe wall, so that none 
of the audience can be harmed by the infuriated beasts. 
One bull at a time is let into the enclosure or pit, where 
ten persons are standing, dressed in fantastic colors. 
Three of these gladiators are mounted on horses, one 
of them armed with a lasso, and two of them with 
spears or lances. The others are furnished with red 
Hags, which serve to exasperate the bull. The spears 
are used on him for the same purpose. The lasso is 
used in case the bull gets any of the men into too close 
quarters, to pull the animal away from his victim. 
When at last the bull has become perfectly enraged 
the bugle is sounded, and a man, designated as the 
captain, steps into the arena with a red flag and a sharp 



FIGHT BETWEEN A BULL AND LION. 419 

two-edged sword. On showing the flag the bull makes 
directly for him, when it is his business to dodge him, 
and, at the same time kill him, by running him 
through the heart with his sword. 

After the bull is dead, a pair of mules, covered with 
red blankets, with harness and bells on them, are led 
in, and they draw out the bull to make way for the 
next combat, which immediately follows ; and thus 
the fight continues amid the cheers of the audience 
until all the bulls, except one, have been killed. Fre- 
quently they have a wild beast, a bear, or lion for ex- 
ample on hand (as they had a California lion in this 
case). The cage containing the lion is hauled near 
the center of the arena where there is a strong 
post. The lion has a long chain fastened about his 
neck and the other end is secured to the post for safety. 
There is a red cloth on the lion' s neck, and, when all 
is ready, the last bull is driven into the amphitheater. 

I never heard such a noise from any assemblage as 
came from that crowd when that bull made a rush for 
the lion, which was not a very large animal, but a very 
ferocious one. This fight lasted at least for half an 
hour, and the bull was horribly cut up ; but after 
tossing up his antagonist in the air several times, and 
getting him worried out, he finally got him down and 
gored him to death, which ended the bull-fight. After 
this the bulls that had been killed were dressed, and 
the meat fed out to convicts in their prisons. 

The governor inquired how our party, especially 
General Banning, liked the bull-fight. The general re- 
plied that he considered it rather barbarous, but the 
governor excused it by saying that the people demand- 
ed such excitement, and it was their amusement instead 
of theaters. 



420 A MAN BITTEN BY A KATTLESNAKE. 

Next morning, being furnished with provisions and 
horses, also an escort of soldiers provided by the gov- 
ernor, we left for the place of the proposed port. The 
governor, with a band of music, accompanied us a 
short distance, and wished us success as we separated. 

We at length arrived at our destination, which was 
at Port Lobas, or in English, Port Wolf, which, at first 
sight, gave promise of being one of the finest harbors 
on the Sonora coast. We had with us a canvas boat, 
and in this the engineer examined the harbor and found 
plenty of water for the largest ships ; and we also dis- 
covered that it was a safe refuge for vessels in case of 
storms. The waters also abound in fish of different 
kinds. 

We remained here four days, making examinations ; 
and discovered a beach where, after removing six 
inches of sand, was a mass of alum salt. We found 
it by seeing a place where some persons, probably In- 
dians, had cleared off a quantity of sand and taken out 
the salt. On our third day there, some thirty Indians 
came into our camp, who said they were of the Ceres 
tribe. The soldiers of our escort confirmed their state- 
ment. These Indians live entirely on sharks, sea lions, 
and fish. 

That afternoon, while Captain Polamus was out in 
the woods, he was bitten by a rattlesnake. He came 
into camp terribly frightened, saying he was a dead 
man. On inquiry I found that he was bitten in the in- 
step. I pulled off his shoe and tied a cord very tight- 
ly above the wound, and cut the wound a little to let 
it bleed. I hurried off one of the Mexicans to hunt up 
some snake- weed, telling the captain not to be frighten- 
ed for I could cure him. I searched for the snake and 
killed it, bringing the reptile into camp about the time 



CUKE FOR RATTLESNAKE BITES. 421 

the Mexican returned with the snake-weed, which was 
found growing in abundance in the vicinity. Making 
a strong tea of the weed, Polamus drank probably a 
quart of it, and having pounded and mashed a lot of 
the herb, I made a poultice of it, placing it over the 
place that was bitten, which had by this time swollen 
considerably. I opened the snake, took out his liver, 
cut and spread it on the poultice over the wound, and 
bound it on tightly with a part of the split body of the 
snake, when the sharp pains began to decrease and the 
green poison commenced oozing out. The captain's 
ankle did not swell above the place I tied the 
cord around, and at 12 o'clock that night I removed 
the bandage, and asked him how his foot felt. He re- 
plied that it was numb, but we considered that was in 
consequence of the tight cord which I now loosened 
some. He said it was fortunate that I was along with 
them, otherwise he believed he should have died very 
soon. In the morning he appeared quite well, and said 
he felt no ill-effects from the bite ; so I removed the 
poultice and bandage, and rubbed some gunpowder 
into the wound, which was the last thing done for it. 
The captain then wished me to show him some of this 
weed, which I did, and he picked a quantity of it, so 
that he would know it again, should he have use for it. 
This running vine or weed has a small blossom that re- 
sembles a rattlesnake' s eye. I was once bitten by a 
rattlesnake myself, and was made acquainted with this 
remedy by a Comanche Indian, who cured me. It is 
always found in a country where rattlesnakes are nu- 
merous. 

After making all the preliminary surveys for a land- 
ing place, wharf, &o , and finding the harbor, free 
from reefs or sunken rocks, we prepared to return. 



422 ENGAGEMENT WITH ROBBERS. 

This port is due west from the town of Altar, and 
about one hundred and twenty miles from it. We were 
three days returning to Altar, where the general dis- 
missed the escort of soldiers and presented them a 
hundred dollars, which they at first refused, saying 
they were under pay from their governor ; but the gen- 
eral insisted on their taking it as a present, when they 
received and divided it among themselves, starting off 
the next morning for Ures, the capital, while our party 
took the stage for Fort Yuma. 

On the route, after two days of travel, our stage dri- 
ver stopped and said there was a party of men ahead, 
on the right side of the road. I told him to halt there 
till we could ascertain who they were and learn their 
objects ; and immediately we all got our weapons in 
readiness for defense. On getting out of the stage, I 
noticed the men making for the road, advancing slowly 
towards us, and I cautioned the passengers again to 
prepare for them. These robbers, eight in number, 
rode up to within fifty or sixty yards of us, when we 
ordered them to halt. They wore masks, and looked 
at us a moment, as we had our rifles leveled at them, 
appearing undecided whether to attack us or not. 
Presently the leader inquired the way into Mexico. I 
told them in Spanish that they were already in Mexi- 
co, and they knew it well, but if they didn't retreat 
and get out of our way in double quick time, the;y 
would find themselves on the road to a hotter climate. 
The leader now ordered them to advance, and at the 
same time I shot at him ; but his horse threw up his 
head and received the ball between his eyes, dropping 
dead. General Banning then fired at the dismounted 
man and killed him, which caused the rest to scatter. 
We went to the body, and, on pulling off the mask, 



A BOBBER CHIEF KILLED. 423 

found him to be a half-breed Indian. In his belt were 
two fine revolvers, which I took possession of. This 
attack was about twelve miles from St. Domingo, which 
place we intended to reach that night. It may seem 
strange that a stage should be attacked in daylight by 
a band of robbers ; but this was the only chance they 
had, as the stages on this route did not travel nights on 
account of the numerous robberies which had been 
committed on them. We left the horse and rider where 
they fell, and pushed onward. On arriving at St. Do • 
mingo, the general asked me what he had better do 
relative to the shooting, and I advised him to report it 
to the authorities. He left the matter entirely in my 
hands, saying he was not acquainted with the Spanish 
customs or language. 

Finding a magistrate I gave him an account of the 
attack and its result, when he asked how many robbers 
there were ; and when he found there were eight of 
them, he asked for a description of the man killed. 
When I had told him all I was able to, he replied that 
it was a noted robber of the plains for whose capture, 
dead or alive, a reward of five hundred dollars had 
been offered by Governor Pesquiera. He wished me 
to present his compliments to General Banning, and 
say to him that he had rendered a charitable service to 
the people of that section by killing the villain. He 
then ordered a wagon, with an armed escort, to go out 
and bring in the body if it could be found. When the 
party returned they brought the body and also the sad- 
dle ; and after the magistrate had given them an in- 
spection, he pronounced the man to be the same noto- 
rious thief and murderer he had suspected. He was 
quite pleased to know for a certainty that the country 
was rid of this villain, for he had committed many 



424 AN UNPLEASANT C0UNTKY. 

murders in that vicinity, and invited our party to 
breakfast with, him, urging the general to wait a few 
days and get returns from the governor, with the re- 
ward ; but this proposition was declined on account of 
the delay. I tendered the pistols to the magistrate, 
but he insisted on my keeping them for my services. 

The next night we arrived at Dawson's station, on 
the borders of the sandy desert, which we all dreaded 
to cross. For about ninety miles the ground is incap- 
able of producing much but rattlesnakes, with other 
reptiles and vermin. There is no grass, water, or tim- 
ber in sight, nothing but sand and sage-brush. When 
the wind sweeps across this desert, the sand is blown 
like snow, and fills up the traveled paths ; and, in con- 
sequence, travelers lose their way and perish. Persons 
acquainted with it have a land mark for a guide, which 
is a high mountain that can be seen from all parts of 
the desert. The top of the mountain is dark in ap- 
pearance, and it is therefore called Black Head Moun- 
tain. I have crossed this trackless waste four times, 
but never admired the trip. On the east side of the 
mountain is a tribe of Indians, called the Papago's, 
which in English is Potatoe. The named is derived 
from the wild potatoes or artichokes which are found 
there in abundance, and which form a principal article 
of their food. They are as good marksmen as any In- 
dians I ever saw, with the exception of the Comanches. 
They are employed by many of the farmers and stock 
raisers of Arizona to assist them, and are quite an in- 
dustrious, peaceably disposed tribe. 

After remaining at Dawson's station long enough to 
rest and recruit ourselves and horses, we laid in a good 
supply of water and provisions, with grain for the 
horses, and resumed our seats in the stage, wondering 



EETUEN TO FOET YUMA. 425 

what new surprises were awaiting ns in onr weary ride 
across the desert. We had no adventures until we 
were about midway across the desert, when, as we were 
traveling slowly in the night, for it was quite dark, our 
lead horses became frightened. I got out of the stage, 
and, peering through the darkness, discovered a body 
in the track of the road. On lighting a lantern, I 
found that the man was perishing for want of water ; 
and after giving him some, he revived, and we man- 
aged to get him on top of the stage. After giving him 
some food he inquired for his comrade, but he could re- 
member but little of him after he laid down to sleep. 
His companion had strayed from the road and perished ; 
but we took this man along to Port Yuma, where he 
was recognized as a noted thief, who, with his partner, 
had run away from California with stolen property, 
and after swimming their horses over the Colorado 
river, they had vainly attempted to cross the desert. 
The authorities at Fort Yuma took him in charge, 
and sent him back to San Francisco, where, as we 
understood afterwards, he was sentenced for a long 
period to the penitentiary. 

General Banning paid me, on our arrival at the 
fort, five dollars per day for the time I had been 
with him, and Captain Polamus offered me one hun- 
dred dollars for my services at the time he was bit- 
ten by the rattlesnake. This I declined to accept, 
but he insisted, saying he thought it a pity if his 
life was not worth a hundred dollars. After remain- 
ing a few days at the fort, the general and his party 
returned to California. 



CHAPTEE XXYIII. 

ON" arriving at Fort Yuma I found my friends, Jones 
and Louis. Mr. Hooper had returned from San 
Francisco with the discouraging news that he could 
only obtain one dollar each for our beaver pelts, on 
account of the poor quality of the fur, which put a 
stop to our trapping for beaver any more that season. 
It was lucky that I had money, for my friends were 
rather destitute, and at the fort our supplies cost us as 
much as they would in New York, for no quarter- 
master of any post is allowed to scatter the property 
of the government. 

While at the fort we heard of the finding of a dead 
body on the road, which answered to the description 
given of the comrade of the thief we restored to life. 
We did not feel particularly grieved to hear of his 
death. 

While at the fort I learned the particulars of a grand 
humbug, in the shape of a silver mine, of which Colo- 
nel Samuel Colt, of Hartford, Connecticut, was indu- 
ced to become one of the chief proprietors. The 
company was composed of New York and California 
speculators. The mine was located about thirty -five 
miles, in a westerly direction, from Tubac, in Arizona. 
Bars of silver were sent to Colonel Colt, with a state- 
ment saying that they came from this mine, and pur- 
porting to give the quantity of silver that a ton of ore 
would yield. A scientific man was employed to make 
assays of the ore. He reported to the overseer that the 



MINING FEAUD. 427 

ore was not one-tenth part as rich as represented, but 
he was bribed to keep quiet about the matter, and not 
publish his assays ; for, as they said truly, the stock 
was selling well in the New York market, and if the 
mine did not pay in one way, Wall street, New York, 
would make it pay in another. Colonel Colt was inno- 
cently led into the speculation from false represent- 
ations respecting the richness of the lodes. A friend 
of his who was living in California informed Colonel 
Colt that the mine was a humbug in season for him to 
dispose of his interest for about one hundred thousand 
dollars. Though the mine was worked for several 
years afterwards, it never paid expenses, and was 
eventually abandoned. The speculators who started 
it made a good thing, but the stockholders suffered, 
losing all they invested. 

Near this silver mine another fraud was perpetrated, 
in the way of gold mining. A party of Americans 
were prospecting for gold, when some Chinese came 
along, looking for some mine to purchase. Some of 
the Americans took the Chinese party away to some 
diggings that did not pay very well, while the rest re- 
mained to prepare the ground so as to show some rich 
diggings when the Chinese came back. The Yankees 
dug into the side of a bank and mixed fine gold dust 
with the loose earth, and then loading their guns with 
powder mixed with gold dust, fired away at the bank 
where they had been digging. They were all prepared 
to receive the Chinese when they returned. After the 
Chinese had washed out two or three pans of earth 
they had about eight dollars in gold as the result. 
Then they offered the Americans ten thousand dollars 
for the claim, which was accepted and the money paid 
over. That was what is termed salting a mine. The 
28 



428 FIGHT BETWEEN INDIANS AND LUMBERMEN. 

sale occurred about sundown, and the Americans left 
before the new owners had time to discover the trick. 

The Chinese worked the claim till they got out about 
two ounces, which was just about the amount the 
Yankees fired into the mines in salting them. Becom- 
ing discouraged soon after, they gathered up their rice 
and tea and started for Tueson, the capital of Arizona 
territory. When about half way on their journey the 
Apaches attacked them, killing the entire party, — ten 
in number. The Chinese are fine subjects for scalp- 
ing, as the hair is shaved close near to the crown of the 
head. 

The same party who killed the Chinese also killed a 
Mr. Pennington and his two sons, about two miles 
from where they killed the Chinese. The Indians were 
then pursued by the troops at Tubac. They had gone 
to a mountain called St. Oreto, where a party of Mex- 
icans and Americans were at work getting timber for a 
saw mill. The Indians came across two Mexicans who 
were herding a drove of thirty yoke of oxen. They 
killed the Mexicans and a part of the cattle, and pass- 
ed on to where the party were at work attacking them 
boldly. They met with strong resistance, and the 
fighting was kept up five hours. Mr. Eickman, the 
head man of the working party, was shot in seven dif- 
ferent places, but survived. Mne Indians were lulled, 
and the remainder fled in haste just as the troops from 
Tubac arrived. The working party informed the 
troops that the Indians had just left, and offered to ac- 
company them in the pursuit, but the captain of the 
party said his rations were nearly exhausted and he 
should return to the fort. Mr. Kickman accompanied 
the troops. On their return to the fort, the party stop- 
ped and buried the two Mexicans and ten Chinamen 



DEATH TO MULE THIEVES. 429 

that had been murdered by the Apaches. In due time 
the company arrived at the fort, and reported their 
doings. 

This is a fair specimen of the way the Indians were 
dealt with by the government troops at that time, and 
from reports, I see the same policy is continued. After 
one of their barbarous massacres, they were pursued for 
a short distance and then allowed to escape, instead of 
being followed up, at all hazards, and punished as 
they deserved. 

A short time after the return of the company of pur- 
suers to the fort, a train of wagons was on its way from 
California to Tueson, via Fort Yuma. At Fort Yuma 
the wagonmaster, Mr. Davis, was taken sick, and I 
was employed in his place, to take the train to Tueson 
and return. My friends, Jones and Louis, were also 
engaged to accompany us by Mr. Alexander, the 
owner of the teams, who had a large contract with the 
United States government for freighting supplies from 
the coast to the interior. Our train was composed of 
twelve wagons with ten mules each. About midway 
between Fort Yuma and Tueson is a place called Pe- 
cacliQ^oear a black mountain, where we camped for 
the night. 

In the morning I went out and told the men who had 
guarded the mules during the night to come in and get 
their breakfasts, while I remained to watch the mules. 
I wa^jkting down enjoying my cigarette, when I ob- 
serve^PpP commotion among the mules, and looking 
further saw two Apaches, who had separated a portion 
of the mules and were driving them off. Catching up 
a Spencer rifle, lent me by Davis, I shot one through 
the back, and the other attempted to escape, but I 
dropped him with a ball through the hip. The team- 



430 UNDER ARREST. 

sters came running to see what was the matter. On 
seeing the wounded Indian they dispatched him ; after 
which we harnessed up and moved forward hastily, 
knowing that other Apaches were close by. We arri- 
ved at Tueson without further trouble, but we had not 
been there long before some Indians came there and 
complained that I had killed two of their tribe, who 
were friendly. 

I was immediately ordered under arrest by the of- 
ficer at the barracks ; but Mr. Alexander soon arrived 
and inquired into the matter, and went to see the com- 
mander of the troops. He returned with the comman- 
der, when I was asked if I shot the Indians and my 
reasons for so doing. I confessed that I did, and 
should do the same thing every time. The colonel 
said those Indians had obtained a certificate from him 
a few days before guaranteeing to them United States 
protection. I asked the colonel if he gave them any 
authority in that paper to capture mules and run off 
with them. He was quite indignant at my asking him 
such a question, and inquired if I meant to insult him ; 
I disclaimed any such intention, but said that I had 
shot them in the act of stealing Mr. Alexander's 
mules, and if he wanted to keep me under arrest he 
could do so, but he would do it at his peril, and I 
should demand a large sum for each day of my deten- 
tion, enough at least to cover all his back pay, and all 
he could make for some time to come. He concluded 
that I had better go and say no more about it. After 
this, while I stopped at Tueson, this colonel, whose 
name was Thompson, treated me with marked polite- 
ness and courtesy. 

In the streets of Tueson, which is quite a town, or 
city as they call it in Arizona, I happened one day to 



UNPLEASANT TKAVELING. 431 

meet an acquaintance named Michael Burns. He had 
come from the mountains about six miles distant where 
he, with a friend of his, named Johnson, had been en- 
gaged on a contract burning charcoal. He showed a 
bullet hole through his hat, and said that he and his 
companion had been attacked by Apaches, and John- 
son had been killed. He had come to Tueson for 
assistance, but said he should prefer citizens rather 
than United States troops, for they had lost a lot of 
cattle, and soldiers did not go far after Indians to re- 
cover the property of citizens. 

I made up a party of eighteen citizens and teamsters 
and started off, with Burns for a guide. We found 
Johnson's body, pinned to the ground by a scythe 
which he was using in cutting grass at the time he was 
killed, and he was badly mutilated and scalped. We 
buried Johnson's body, and then hurried forward in 
pursuit of the Indians to revenge the death of John- 
son and recover the stolen cattle. We overtook them 
the third day encamped in a hollow, where they were 
waiting for another party, who had been on a raid in a 
different direction, to join them, and fell on them sud- 
denly, killed seven and captured one, and the remain- 
ing five or six escaped. We also secured Johnson's 
scalp. The captured Indian was made fast to a mule, 
and, with the cattle, we returned to Tueson. Some- 
times the Indian, who was bound hand and foot, was 
under the mule' s belly, and sometimes he would fall 
off and be dragged some distance by the ropes which 
bound him, which made his seventy mile journey any 
thing but agreeable. On our way back we met a small 
party of a dozen Indians on their way to join the 
party we had routed. They were driving a number of 
horses and mules they had evidently stolen. When 



432 AN INTEKVIEW WITH A U. S. COLONEL. 

they saw us coming, and discovered we were too strong 
for them to engage with, they broke for the mountains, 
leaving their stock, which we gathered up and took 
with us on our way to Tueson. Before arriving there 
we met a party of soldiers sent out by the colonel, who 
feared we were in trouble, as we had been absent nearly 
a week. 

When we arrived at the barracks we hung the Indi- 
an captive, and buried Johnson's scalp decently, after 
showing it to Colonel Thompson. Colonel Thompson, 
who saw us hang the Indian, asked who was in com- 
mand of the party. I told him I was, and that I had 
done this as a favor to Mr. Burns, whose friend was 
killed and stock taken off by the Apaches. Colonel 
Thompson asked Burns why he did not call on the 
troops for assistance instead of citizens. Burns replied 
that he liked the way Captain Hobbs and his friends 
followed the Indians, it being so different from paid 
soldiers, who generally gave out when their rations 
became short. 

The following morning Colonel Thompson sent for 
me to call at his office. He received me cordially and 
inquired if I was the Captain Hobbs who had been with 
the Comanches, and also a companion of Kit Carson, 
of whom he had heard several speak favorably. I 
told him I was ; when he said that had he known me 
before he never should have arrested me for killing the 
Apache thieves. He asked me to excuse him, and of- 
fered me employment as a guide and interpreter among 
the Indians and Mexicans, to aid him when they made 
incursions outside. I told him, as I had formerlv told 
another United States officer, that the only contract I 
would take from the United States with reference to 
Indians was to bring in Apache scalps at fifty dollars 



A HUNTING PAETY. 433 

each. He replied that my proposal was unreasonable, 
for his troops were there for the purpose of maintain- 
ing good order, and keeping the Indians friendly. I 
bade him good-bye, and the next day Mr. Alexander 5 s 
train was ready, when I had to take charge of it on the 
return to Fort Yuma, Burns accompanying us. Arri- 
ving there, we found Mr. Davis, the former wagon- 
master, had recovered, and I resigned my position, was 
paid off, and the train proceeded to California. Besides 
receiving one hundred dollars per month from Mr. 
Alexander, I received a present of two hundred dollars 
from him for killing the two Apache thieves who at- 
tempted to run his mules off. 

My friends Burns, Jones, and Louis remained with 
me at Fort Yuma, where we stayed a few days waiting 
for something new to turn up. After awhile I fell in 
with a friendly Mexican who told me that many per- 
sons were leaving for the new gold diggings at a place 
called Cow Hills, on the Colorado river. By his fa- 
vorable representations our party were induced to go 
there, first being supplied liberally by the quartermas- 
ter of the fort with all needful provisions. When we 
arrived at the gold diggings we found more people than 
gold. All the paying claims were worked by parties 
that would not sell out, and there was a small show for 
us, so we decided to hunt game and sell it to the 
miners. 

Our course was to go back into the country, killing 
deer, rabbits, and other game, which were plenty in 
the mountains, and bring it in on our animals. We 
sold readily all the deer we could kill at twenty -five 
cents per pound, and rabbits at one dollar each. We 
followed this several weeks, killing in that time one 
hundred and ninety-six deer, a very large number of 



434 MEETING AN OLD COMPANION. 

rabbits, and one black bear, which paid us each five 
hundred and forty dollars, — a larger sum than was 
realized by most of the miners. At the end of that 
time the miners began to leave, as the profits were get- 
ting decidedly small, and of course our occupation of 
supplying them with game was gone, and we were 
again deliberating what course to take, or where to 
journey. 

After due deliberation, our party determined to cross 
the mountains of the Sierra Nevada range, and go to 
San Diego, on the Pacific coast, to kill game for the 
San Francisco market. After a ride of thirteen days 
we reached the vicinity of San Diego, and commenced 
killing ducks, geese, and small game, not far from the 
coast. We procured an old tame ox and took him 
about in peaces where ducks and geese were plenty, 
firing over his back, which he was used to. In that 
way we could approach very near to the game, as such 
game were accustomed to the sight of cattle. We sold 
our game at San Diego for about a month, when Burns 
and Louis went to San Francisco to act as our con- 
signees for the sale of larger game, such as bear and 
deer, which we knew were plenty back in the moun- 
tains fifteen or twenty miles. If the market was good 
we intended to hire help and ship game in large 
quantities. 

Jones and I saw them off on the steamer, and then 
returned to the hotel in San Diego, where to our great 
surprise we met our old friend Patterson and his wife, 
from Lower California, whose marriage I have pre- 
viously mentioned. Of course we had a good time 
that night. Patterson said his father-in-law had done 
well by him since we left, and that he had got the 
whole family now tolerably Americanized. He had 



GOOD SUCCESS. 435 

come by steamer to San Diego to procure a supply of 
goods for the family, and wanted us to return with 
them and stay a while ; but we thought best to decline 
for the present. They stayed several days at San 
Diego, and we enjoyed their society very much. 

In about a week or ten days we received a letter 
from Burns, saying, common sized deer were worth 
twenty -five cents per pound in San Francisco, and that 
there was good sale for bear meat at nearly double that 
rate. After Patterson and wife left by steamer, we 
went back with some hired help to the mountains in 
pursuit of game. By the assistance of our Mexican 
friends we found good hunting ground for deer and 
bears. We sent game to the wharf at San Diego by 
our Mexicans for shipment per steamer. The first trip 
they carried one small grizzly bear and iive deer. Our 
business was profitable till the weather became too 
warm for shipment of fresh meat, when we went high- 
er up the mountains and dried our venison and bear 
meat, writing to Burns that we would soon be in San 
Francisco. 

After a good run of luck we came down to San Diego 
with our animals loaded with valuable skins, dried 
meat, &c, which we delivered at the shipping ware- 
house, and placed our mules and jacks in the care of 
the owner of St. Isabel's Ranche, near San Diego, and 
took the steamer for San Francisco with our bales of 
hides and dried meat. 

On our arrival there we met our friends Burns and 
Louis, .who were on the lookout for us. Our bear 
hides, deer skins, and dried meat sold for eighteen 
hundred dollars, which was better than some of our 
mining experiences. While we stopped in San Fran- 
cisco, we learned that there was to be a dog-fight for 



436 A DOG FIGHT. 

two thousand dollars a side, at the Mission Dolores, 
about three miles from the city. We concluded to at- 
tend ; but it was the first, and I trust the last dog -fight 
that I shall witness of that sort. 

The fight was between two English bull-dogs, one 
owned by an Englishman and the other by an Ameri- 
can. A short time after the fight commenced, the Eng- 
lishman claimed that the Yankee's dog had a foul 
hold. The American denied it, when the Englishman 
stepped into the ring to separate the dogs, but received 
a blow from the Yankee that sent him sprawling on 
the ground. The Englishman jumped up and shot 
the American dead ; his friends then returned the Eng- 
lishman' s shot, killing him also ; and during the fight 
four men and one dog were killed, which ended the 
performance, and was all I wished to see of such 
sport. 

While I was in San Francisco I heard of a huge 
grizzly bear that was on exhibition there some years 
previous, which weighed eleven hundred pounds. It 
was brought from St. Joseph district, and was about to 
be shipped eastward. For the particulars of its novel 
capture I am indebted to some worthy gentlemen who 
saw the animal while on exhibition in San Francisco. 
P. T. Barnum, of Barnum's Museum, offered to pay 
eight hundred dollars, for a grizzly bear, caught alive, 
that should weigh one thousand pounds, or more. A 
Yankee, named Cobb, who was in California at the 
time this proposition was made, began to look about 
him to see if he could not secure the prize. He 
chanced to hear that for a long time a bear had been 
making raids on the ranches of Peter Quivey and a 
Mr. Wilson, near St. Joseph, and carrying off a great 
deal of their young stock. From the size of the ani- 



CATCHING A GEIZZLY. 437 

mals carried off, and the trail made by the bear, it was 
evident that he was of unusual size. Cobb at once 
went to see Quivey, who showed him the trail by which 
the bear came on to his premises. Cobb sunk a pan 
into the ground, near this trail, and taking advantage 
of the known fondness of bears for sweets, poured into 
it about two quarts of molasses. On the morning fol- 
lowing the baiting, they found the pan licked clean. 
Cobb, thinking he now saw his way clear to capture 
the brute and secure the prize, set men at work in St. 
Joseph to make a strong cage to hold the bear when 
caught, in the meantime continuing the rations of mo- 
lasses. When everything was in readiness for his re- 
ception, the regular rations of the bear were varied one 
night, by adding to the molasses two or three bottles 
of brandy. On going to the pan in the morning, Cobb 
and his friends found it cleaned out as usual, and at a 
short distance from it they found the bear lying per- 
fectly stupefied. 

It was now an easy matter to secure the brute. Mr. 
Cobb commenced by placing over his jaws an iron 
muzzle, for safety, in case he should recover too soon, 
and then tied his feet securely. A two-horse wagon 
was driven from Mr. Quivey' s, and bruin loaded into 
it — this loading requiring eight men — when he was 
driven to Mr. Quivey' s, where the cage was waiting 
to receive the prisoner. When he was fairly in the 
cage his muzzle was removed and his feet untied ; but 
one of his fore and one of his hind legs were chained 
to the cage, in such a manner that on his becoming do- 
cile they could be easily released. Water was then 
thrown on him to bring him out of his stupor. When 
he was restored to consciousness his efforts to liberate 
himself were frightful. He even bent, in his frenzy, 



438 



KESIGNED TO FATE. 



some of the iron bars to his cage, which were an inch 
and a half in diameter. It was abont a week after his 
capture before the bear would take any food ; but after 
that time he appeared to resign himself to his fate and 
make the best of the situation. Wells, Fargo & Co., 
as the agents of Mr. Barnum in the matter, paid Cobb 
his eight hundred dollars, and employed him to ac- 
company the bear to New York, by the way of Pan- 
ama. The bear was kept in the museum until it was 
destroyed by fire. Mr. Barnum has often said to his 
friends, that the bear and sections of the big trees, both 
California curiosities, formed one of the greatest attrac- 
tions he ever had in the museum. 

The preceding story I have inserted in these pages, 
considering that I received it from reliable authority, 
and that it would interest my readers, as it did me, for 
I have often captured grizzly bears in my experience, 
but never with molasses and spirits, for I preferred a 
good rifle. 




OHAPTEE XXIX. 

IT was in the summer of 1869, when onr party, hav- 
ing stayed in San Francisco several weeks, and, 
being tired of the monotony of hotel life, returned by 
steamer to San Diego, where we found our mules fat- 
tened up and in good condition for traveling. I asked 
Burns and Louis if we should return to the mountains 
for game, which idea pleased them ; but at Jones' s 
suggestion we concluded to go back to the San Berna- 
dino mountains, about one hundred and fifty miles to 
the north of San Diego, on a trip of exploration. We 
traveled slowly, killing game on the way, and after a 
week' s travel, camped at the foot of the mountain near 
a spring where feed for the animals was plenty. There 
was no lack of game, but the signs of gold were slim 
enough, the gulches and ledges barely showing the 
color occasionally. 

Burns started out about 3 o'clock the day after our 
arrival, to get a shot at a bear, if possible. I urged 
him to wait till next morning, when I would accom- 
pany him, for it was late to go alone, and he was rather 
inexperienced in bear hunting ; still he insisted on 
going by himself. After supper, as Mr. Burns did not 
return, we became very uneasy about him. I lit pine 
torches, elevating them on a pole, and fired my rifle 
several times to guide him in returning ; but we got no 
answer. It was not prudent to search for him that 
night, it being quite dark, and we should not be able 
to follow his trail ; but early in the morning Jones and 



440 A TUEKEY SHOOT. 

myself started to find him. We followed his track two 
miles or more, then fired blank cartridges, when we 
could just hear him answer us. We found him in a 
small tree, with a grizzly bear and two cubs lying at its 
foot ; but the bear was badly wounded so that she 
could not rise. Still Burns was afraid to come down, 
for his gun was laying near the bear' s head, and he 
had stayed up in the tree all night, and he suffered so 
with the cramps that he could hardly move. We shot 
the old bear, and so relieved Burns from his disagree- 
able position. We skinned the animal and left the 
carcass, which was too poor to eat ; but we picked up 
the cubs and carried them to camp. Mr. Burns said 
that in future he should take my advice, and not start 
out hunting so late in the afternoon. He had a good 
appetite for his breakfast, after which he had a long 
sleep, while Jones and I went out prospecting. 

We found a wild turkey roost, which we told our 
comrade of when we returned, and it was arranged to 
have a grand turkey shoot when the moon should be 
at its full, which would be in a few nights. We moved 
our camp to within a mile of the turkey roost, got 
wood and leaves together under the trees where they 
alighted, and everything in readiness to kindle the 
fires. Then when the moon shone out full, one night, 
and the turkeys could be seen in the tree tops, we 
kindled our fire to get a clearer view of them, and suc- 
ceeded in killing fourteen nice ones. The light of the 
fire blinds and confuses the turkeys, thus making them 
an easy prey. Having no success in finding gold, we 
decided to leave that section, as we had a fine stock of 
choice provisions now for a tramp. The next day, in 
traveling around to the north of the mountain, we dis- 
covered some horses and cows feeding in an enclosed 



MISAOTHKOPY. 441 

lot, which indicated that some ranch e mnst be near by. 
A little further on we came to a Mexican ranche near 
a stream. The people there were frightened and ran 
from us as we approached, but were soon quieted when 
we addressed them kindly in Spanish. We told the 
woman that we were friends who merely desired to 
rest there awhile, and inquired for her husband. She 
replied that he was away in the fields looking after his 
stock. She told us we could put our things on the 
porch of the house and rest ourselves, while she sent a 
child for her husband to return. 

Our pet bear cubs pleased the daughter of this lady, 
who gave them some milk, which made them act quite 
lively and playful. As they were some trouble to us, 
and starving for want of suitable nourishment, we gave 
them to the young lady, who promised to bring them 
up with the best of care. About dinner time the hus- 
band and his brother returned, meeting us with a cor- 
dial welcome. We presented him two of our wild 
turkeys, which placed us on a very friendly footing. 
In the course of our conversation he remarked that it 
was a long distance to the nearest settlement, and when 
I inquired why he located so far from any neighbors, he 
said it was on account of his hatred towards lawyers 
and new settlers. In explanation of this reason he said 
that he owned a nice farm and home for his family in 
Los Angeles counl y . Unfortunately for him a portion of 
his land showed signs of being rich in gold. A party of 
Americans came along and squatted on some of his min- 
eral lands, and he gave them notice that it belonged to 
him ; but they cared nothing for his legal rights, and 
persisted in remaining on his grounds. He finally went 
to law about it, and the first lawyer charged him an 
enormous sum for advice and procuring a writ of eject- 



442 AIDING A FKIEND, 

ment, which he paid down ; but after much delay, he 
lost his case in the first trial, which result he was con- 
fident was obtained by bribery by the Yankees. Costs 
for appeals, continuances, and legal services became a 
regular bore, and he packed up his effects, leaving the 
property and his lawyers in disgust, with the determi- 
nation to get isolated so far from society that no man 
would covet his property or undertake to dispossess 
him. We told him to have no fears of our laying any 
claim to his lands, for our party couldn't content them- 
selves long enough in one place to even plow the 
ground for a crop. 

We remained there several days examining the sur- 
rounding country, finding plenty of game in the way 
of antelope, deer, bears, wild turkeys, &c. Our host 
told us that he had lost many young calves and much 
other stock by bears, but he was not able to prevent 
these depredations, or catch the animals. He asked 
me if we could contrive any way to rid him of these 
pests ; adding that he once lassoed a bear, but he 
broke the lasso and came near killing him and his 
horse, when he fled for his life and had not attempted 
to catch any since. I told him if he would give me 
some pieces of timber I would make a trap, baiting it 
with fresh meat, and set a spring gun which would be 
apt to kill any thing that came that way. I put the 
trap on the bear's accustomed trail, loading the gun 
with several balls, and the next morning one of the 
brutes was found dead in the trap. The gentleman 
offered me a beef for the favor I had done him, but I 
declined it, telling him he had my sympathy for his 
previous bad luck. 

Before leaving our friendly host we asked him the 
distance to Fort Mohave, where we intended going. 



ERROR OF A VIGILANCE COMMITTEE. 443 

We knew the direction of the fort, and intended to 
travel by the compass. He was not posted in the geog- 
raphy of the country, but said there was a wagon 
road about twenty miles to the northward which led 
from the coast eastward through the interior of Arizona 
to Salt Lake, over the sandy plains. We left for Fort 
Mohave by going to the north till we struck the road 
spoken of by our friend, and following it as far as it 
took us in the right direction, reaching the place with- 
out encountering the Indians. 

On our way to the fort, we met a vigilance party re- 
turning to Los Angeles, having been out in pursuit of 
a horse thief, whom they had overtaken and hung. 
They had also hung a man traveling in his company, 
on the supposition that he was an accomplice, but it 
afterwards appeared that he was an innocent man, a 
merchant at Salt Lake, and had been to Los Angeles 
to purchase goods. On his way home he had fallen in 
with this thief, and not knowing his character, had 
kept along with him for the sake of his company. 
This case was rendered still more lamentable from the 
fact that the murdered man left a wife and four child- 
ren. I have been in pursuit of a good many criminals, 
under direction of vigilance committees, but never 
would consent to the harming of any man till his guilt 
was proved, beyond the shadow of a doubt ; and had 
this party pursued the same course with the stranger, 
and held him a prisoner till they could have learned 
something in regard to him, an honest man would not 
have been sacrificed, and the vigilance committee 
would not have felt remorse, caused by their hasty 
action. 

On our arrival at Fort Mohave, the commander 
asked where we came from, and we briefly recounted; 
29 



444 DESERTED BY A GUIDE. 

our travels, not forgetting to tell him of the Mexican 
ranche where we stayed a week with the man who de- 
sired to get out of the reach of society. 

From Fort Mohave we left for the White Pine silver 
regions, taking along a friendly Indian guide, who pre- 
tended to know the whole route ; but we relied partly 
upon the compass. Fort Mohave lies east of the San 
Bernardino mountain, on the Colorado river, and we 
were traveling northward, through a portion of Neva- 
da. On our journey we picked up many stones of 
various colors, some resembling the California dia- 
mond, and others looking like a ruby. 

By the aid of our guide, we usually found water and 
feed for our animals where we camped at night, and 
though we saw small parties of Indians, at a distance, 
several times, we were not disturbed. When about 
half way on our journey, our guide left us, and made 
his way to a party of friendly Indians in the vicinity, 
obliging us afterwards to travel by compass. 

The night our guide left us, as we were sitting 
around our fire, we were surprised by the appearance 
in our camp of a young girl about twenty years of age, 
and nearly destitute of clothing. She commenced 
talking in an Indian language that was unknown to 
me. On looking closely at her, I thought I could dis- 
cover, through the paint on her face, the features of a 
Mexican, and spoke to her in Spanish, when she re- 
plied in the same language, and gave us an account of 
how she came to be there. She said that a number of 
years before, her father' s house had been attacked by 
Indians, and the whole family, with the exception of 
herself, had been murdered. Her life had been spared 
at the request of the chief s son, and since that time 
she had been compelled to live with him as his wife. 



RESCUE OF A MEXICAN GIRL. 445 

The tribe, which numbered in all about two hundred 
and fifty, were encamped a few miles from us. They 
had seen us at times for three or four days, and when 
they saw our camp fire so near to them, had sent her 
to find out about us, thinking we might be Mexicans 
and she could, by listening to our conversation, ascer- 
tain our plans. She had appeared so well contented 
with them, thus throwing them entirely off their guard, 
while she watched for an opportunity to escape, that 
they had no fears of her attempting to leave them. 
When she found that we were Mexicans or Americans, 
she decided to make herself known and consult with 
us as to the best method of attempting her escape. 
She did not wish us to attempt her rescue, as she feared 
our party was so small we should get ourselves into 
trouble. I told her I had had considerable experience 
among Indians, and had never left a captive among 
them from any fear of consequences, if I attempted to 
release them. On inquiring what weapons the tribe 
used, she said they had no firearms, their weapons 
being only bows and arrows, spears and clubs ; when 
I told her I thought we could protect her without dan- 
ger ; at all events, we were willing to make the at- 
tempt. In this decision Burns and Louis both agreed 
with me. As her clothing had become badly worn, 
Burns presented her with a pair of pants and a flannel 
shirt, and as he was a small man, his clothing fitted 
her very well. 

In the morning we got away from our camping place 
as early as possible, and pushed forward at as great 
speed as we could, for we felt very certain that the In- 
dians would soon be in search of their scout. In this 
we judged correctly, for we soon saw them lurking on 
our trail, but taking good care not to get within reach 



446 WHITE PINE MINES. 

of our rifles. We were well supplied with ammuni- 
tion, and had no fears of being attacked, except in the 
night, and we took every precaution to guard against 
that. After being followed in this way for two days, I 
became impatient at being obliged to keep such a close 
watch on the movements of the Indians, and deter- 
mined, if they came near enough to give me a chance, 
I would fire on them, which would either bring them 
down upon us or relieve us of the annoyance of their 
company. Shortly after I came to this decision, I saw 
one of the party in advance of the others, and near 
enough to be in range of my rifle. I asked the girl 
who it was, and she replied that it was the son of the 
chief, with whom she had been compelled to live. I 
then inquired if she had any objections to my killing 
him, and she replied that she had not, when I fired 
and, owing to the great distance, killed the pony, in- 
stead of the rider ; at which the whole party retreated 
over the plain, and we saw no more of them. We then 
thought best to make as much haste as possible, as we 
did not know what effect the shot might have on our 
pursuers, until we arrived at Hamilton, a small settle- 
ment in the White Pine region, finding wood and 
water convenient for camping places, and killing game 
on the way. 

At this mining place we found kind friends, and one 
old lady who took a deep interest in the Mexican girl, 
and furnished her with suitable clothing. After wash- 
ing the paint from her face, and dressing her after the 
manner of civilized people, she made quite a genteel 
appearance. Here we rented a miner's cabin, and 
went to prospecting for a mine, the girl offering to do 
our housework, though she made it her home with the 
old lady. I showed the colored stones to a New York 



GEAVE OF KIT CARSON'S DAUGHTER. 447 

man who was there, who purchased them of me at 
good prices, and inquired of me where I found them 
and whether they were plenty. On my telling him 
they were, he wished us to return with him, but we 
told him the desert over which we passed was not very 
inviting to a man used to luxuries, and we could not 
think of returning. We remained here two weeks, but 
finding no rich prospecting, we decided, as provisions 
were high, and forage for our beasts very scarce, that 
our best course was to leave. The old lady who fur- 
nished the clothing, asked the Mexican girl to remain 
there with her ; but she refused for several reasons, but 
the main one she kept secret, which was a fondness for 
our friend Burns, as near as I could judge. 

We headed for Mono Lake in company with a party 
who were going there with two hay wagons to get for- 
age. Arriving at Mono Lake, we saw in the hills op- 
posite several excavations or large rooms dug out of 
the hillsides, one of which we camped in, as it was 
about fifteen by twenty-five feet, the walls being mainly 
of solid rock. 

Mono Lake is about four miles long and three miles 
wide, and is fed by hot and cold springs. There is a 
small settlement of forty or fifty inhabitants who live 
by farming and by the sale of hay, which is abundant 
in the vicinity. I was informed by a gentleman living 
there by the name of Scott, that a daughter of Kit Car- 
son was buried near by. At my request he pointed 
out her grave to me, when I employed a man to build 
a fence around it, as a mark of respect to, and in 
memory of her father, with whom I had been pleasant- 
ly acquainted. I remembered seeing this girl often, 
when she was about eight years old. She was a daugh- 
ter by Kit' s first wife, who was called the Pine Leaf 



448 A DISSATISFIED DUTCHMAN. 

and was of the Blackfoot tribe. This girl was called 
the Prairie Flower, and was born at Bent's Fort on the 
Arkansas river. Her mother died when she was ten 
years of age. The girl then lived in Colonel Bent's 
family till she was sixteen years old, when she married 
a man by the name of George Stilts of St. Louis, Mo., 
and went to California with him in 1849. Stilts was a 
reckless man, and turned out to be a regular desperado. 
After traveling about in California with her husband a 
while, she left him, and went to Mono Lake with a gen- 
tleman and his family, and died there. She was a 
noble looking woman, of mixed complexion, black 
eyes and long black hair, and could excel most men in 
the use of the rifle. 

After seeing her grave properly fenced, and recruit- 
ing our animals, we started for Silver Peak, which is a 
high mountain covered at the top with perpetual snow. 
Here we saw valuable silver mines, worked scientifical- 
ly by a large company from New York. The quartz 
rock is transported from the mountain to the crushing 
mills in the valley below, several miles distant. We 
saw one twenty stamp mill there which crushed over 
forty tons of the rock per day, and they said it yielded 
sometimes fifty dollars per ton ! 

We left here for Virginia City, Nevada, and the first 
day out overtook a Dutchman on foot, carrying on his 
back a shovel, pick, and large gold pan, two blankets, 
and some provisions. We asked where he was from, 
and he answered from " Dat miserable Yite Pine shet- 
tlement." As we had an extra pack mule, we offered 
him the use of it to pack his things on ; but for some 
reason he refused it, saying he ought to suffer some 
hardship for being such a fool as to come out there. 
He came up with us at night where we were encamped, 



COMMUNICATION FKOM THE MEXICAN GIRL. 449 

and stopped with us. His feet were blistered, and lie 
looked so worn out that we gave him some coffee, which 
revived him. In the morning we persuaded him to use 
my jack and ride on top of his things. 

After carrying this load some three or four miles, the 
donkey, which had no bridle on, in going into a stream 
of water to drink, elevated his hind feet and sent the 
Dutchman over his head into the water. Striking on his 
back, with a part of his traps falling on his head, 
he would have made a laughable sketch for an 
artist. Crawling out of the water and picking up his 
goods, he began raving and cursing the donkey in all 
the languages he knew. He began stripping off his 
clothing to dry in the sun, and begged me to unload 
the rest of his luggage and trumpery off that donkey, 
swearing that it was the last animal of that kind he 
would ever get on to. We took off his things, bade 
him good-bye, and left him to his own devices, and 
arrived at Big Pine on Bishop' s creek that evening. 

From Bishop' s creek we went to Aurora, where we 
stopped a day, and then proceeded to Virginia City, 
where we prospected for a few days, leaving the Mexi- 
can girl at a boarding place, where she could get rested 
from the fatigue of her travels. We found one claim 
which we recorded and sold for seven hundred dollars. 

One evening, our Mexican girl, (I say our, for we all 
felt a deep interest in her,) remarked in presence of our 
party, who were at supper, that she wished to speak 
with me aside, to ask my advice. She said in the in- 
terview that Burns had proposed to marry her, and, as 
she had no relatives to go to, and regarded me as a 
friend and father to her, she wished to ask me if Mr. 
Burns would not prove a suitable husband, and in- 
quired how long I had known him, &c. I recommend- 



450 THE WEDDING. 

ed him as a good-natured, truthful man, and advised 
her, if she liked him well enough, to marry forthwith. 
Then calling in Mr. Burns, I asked him, before her, 
whether it was his intention to marry her ; and he re- 
plied that it was. 

I announced then to Jones and Louis that important 
business was on the docket, for Burns and the girl were 
to be married on the coming Thursday, (this was on 
Monday,) and asked them if they would consent to 
spend the seven hundred dollars for which we sold out 
our claim, on the bride and bridegroom, so as to have 
a wedding that would become the dignity of our party, 
and leave some spending money for the happy couple. 
They willingly consented, leaving it to me to plan the 
whole thing and see that nothing was lacking. I agreed 
to get the outside garments for the bride, and gave her 
money to purchase what she needed to complete the 
outfit. I happened to find a good silk dress at a ladies' 
furnishing store, all made in style, which, with some 
slight alterations, fitted charmingly. When she came 
bustling from her room into the parlor of our hotel to 
show Burns and me the fit of her new dress, the day 
before the marriage, she appeared so happy that I felt 
rewarded for all my pains on her account. She showed 
by her pleased actions, however, that it was the first 
silk dress she was ever the owner of. 

The marriage ceremony was performed in the hotel 
parlor by Judge Hanner, an old friend of mine, who 
resided in the place. We had as good a private din- 
ner as Virginia city could furnish, and after dinner a 
dance, which the guests of the house kept up till 3 
o'clock next morning. 

We remained at the Yiginia City Hotel several days 
after the wedding, and then proceeded to Grass Valley, 



BUENS SETTLES DOWN. 451 

in company with the newly married conple, where we 
found great numbers of Chinese, and a splendid min- 
ing camp. A company were building flumes for bring- 
ing water for mining purposes from one mountain to 
another, a distance of thirty miles or more. The cost 
of the water works was over a million dollars to the 
company. The parties who constructed the water 
works made more money than the miners, for they sold 
them the water at the rate of three dollars per day for 
what would run through an inch pipe. We remained 
at Grass Valley three weeks, purchasing of some of 
the miners their gold dust at fourteen dollars per ounce, 
and selling it to the express company at from seventeen 
to eighteen dollars. 

We left here for the San Joaquin river, where we 
found fine lands for agricultural purposes, grazing 
lands, &c. After remaining several days in the vicini- 
ty, finding many kind people scattered through that 
section, who were all doing well at farming, Mr Burns 
concluded to settle down upon one hundred and sixty 
acres of land as a squatter. We stayed with him till 
we had helped to build him a log cabin with the assist- 
ance of some neighbors, and then bade him and his wife 
farewell. He still resides on the same place, living hap- 
pily with his wife, and has accumulated considerable 
property. 



OHAPTEE XXX. 

WHILE we were at San Joaquin settlement, a party 
of Mexicans and Chilians came along, and, no- 
ticing that they were all remarkably well mounted, I 
inquired where they were going. They said to the 
head waters of the San Joaquin river, at Tulare Lake, 
to catch mustang horses and other stock which they 
had heard were running wild there. They invited us 
to accompany them, and Jones and I accepted the in- 
vitation ; but Louis left us and went to San Francisco. 

We went to Tulare Lake and found the report about 
the horses there to be no exaggeration. We spent 
some time in constructing a huge pen, three hundred 
feet square, built of posts set in the ground close to 
each other, and which were nine feet high after setting. 
From the entrance of the pen wings were constructed 
each way for half a mile, the fence forming them being 
high enough to turn the animals into the pen. The 
horses would go back from the lake a dozen miles or 
so for good grazing ground, and return galloping to the 
lake occasionally for water, sometimes in straggling 
order, and sometimes in a compact body. Our men 
were so stationed, at long intervals, on each side of the 
trail, as to close in behind the animals and thus keep 
them going in the direction of the pen, if they showed 
any disposition to go back on coming in sight of it. 

Our plans succeeded beyond our expectations, as 
the animals rushed into the inclosure at full speed, 
filling it up with a variety of ponies, mules and horses, 



BREAKING A HOUSE. 453 

when the entrance was closed up and they were secur- 
ed. The next business was to lasso the animals, and 
break them to lead, which we could do at our leisure. 
One gray stallion in the herd attracted my attention, 
and I lassoed him, and after some difficulty got him 
outside the pen and tied him firmly to a tree, where I 
left him till morning that he might expend his strength 
in trying to get loose. In the morning I found he had 
dug a hole in the ground by pawing with his fore feet, 
large enough to bury himself in ; and he appeared 
rather worn out by his exertions. The whole party 
were now busy lassoing and breaking the animals, 
some by one process and some by another. A Chilian, 
who had a great deal to say about his experience in 
horse taming, offered to ride my stallion for me to 
break him ; but I had no faith in his boasting and 
feared he would get hurt if he attempted it, and de- 
clined his offer, preferring to ride him myself. After 
some handling I mounted him, when he threw himself 
with me on him four times, but I was always on his 
back when he rose. I had him soon conquered so that 
he was quite docile under the saddle ; but the Chilian 
soon after got badly thrown by an obstinate mule, and 
after that said but little of his experience in horse- 
taming. 

After a week or more, we got the animals so that we 
could lead them by the side of our gentle ones, and re- 
turned with them as far as St. Joseph, where the stock 
was fairly divided and the party separated. In the di- 
vision there fell to Jones and me about twenty head, 
which we took to our friend Burns' s place, where we 
remained till we got them broken — some to the saddle, 
and some of the heaviest to harness, for work. After 
several weeks' patient labor, I got the gray stallion, 



454 TEXAN EMIGKANTS IN TK0UBLE. 

spoken of before, and which fell to me in the distribu- 
tion, so well broken, that I sold him for four hundred 
dollars. He proved a very valuable animal, and after- 
wards won two races on the Mission Dolores course 
near San Francisco. The remainder of our stock Mr. 
Burns agreed to take good care of on his farm, and 
we were to give him one-half the increase for his 
trouble. 

While we were staying with our friend Burns at the 
San Joaquin settlement, a messenger came into the 
place from Soda Lake, with a statement that an emi- 
grant party from Texas, were there in a pitiable condi- 
tion, as they were very short of provisions, and had 
had their horses run off by Indians. Previous to 
losing their horses they had got off the direct route, 
and had wandered about so long that the provisions 
taken for their journey had given out. A contribution 
of animals and provisions for the relief of the emi- 
grants was soon made up, and a relief party of ten 
persons volunteered to accompany the messenger. 
The citizens who had contributed the articles requested 
me to take the lead of the party and push on with all 
haste to the sufferers. We traveled as rapidly as pos- 
sible, and when we arrived within about ten miles of 
the place where the emigrant wagons were, we met a 
number of the party, who had become impatient at the 
delay in the return of their messenger, and had wan- 
dered away from the others, in their efforts to find 
some settlement. We gave them food, and they re- 
turned with us to their friends. 

On our arrival at the wagons, the scene was affecting. 
The whole party were suffering for food, and crowded 
anxiously about us. Their joy and gratitude at find- 
ing that we were well supplied with provisions for 



PEOSPECTING. 455 

them, was more than sufficient to repay us for any 
trouble we had been at in reaching them. After giving 
our horses time to eat and rest a little, we harnessed 
them to the wagons and started for San Joaquin settle- 
ment. The emigrants, who numbered in all about sev- 
enty-live had not decided on any definite place to settle, 
but naturally wished to see the people who had so 
quickly responded to their cry for help. 

On our return journey we procured a quantity of 
provisions at a government station, called Taycon, 
where the commander, Colonel Allen, treated the party 
kindly, furnishing all they needed. We got the train 
through in safety to San Joaquin settlement, where the 
entire party were so pleased with the country that 
they decided to take up land in the vicinity, either by 
purchase or otherwise. 

Mr. Burns took great interest in these people, assist- 
ing them materially in the selection of lands, and pick- 
ing out pleasant locations ; for he desired them as 
neighbors, and in due time they all settled near him. 
The country around abounded in game, the waters of 
the river with fish, so that all these people had to buy 
was flour, clothing, and groceries. They are still resid- 
ing in that vicinity, and have nice farms and are doing 
well. 

Jones and I remained at the settlement about a month 
longer, when we made a contract with an agent of a 
New York company to go to the Sierra Nevada moun- 
tains prospecting for metals. The emigrants tried to 
dissuade us from the undertaking, urging us to settle 
down beside them ; but finding us determined to leave, 
they offered to raise a purse for our benefit as some 
compensation for our services in their behalf. We de- 
clined their proposed gift, telling them they would find 



456 CONTRACT WITH A NEW YORK COMPANY. 

a use for all their spare funds, and that they were wel- 
come for what we had done for them, as it was nothing 
more than we should do for other parties in like cir- 
cumstances, without expecting any reward. Among 
the emigrants was a widow, who offered to make a 
present of herself to me for life ; but I declined that 
offer also, telling her I had a wife already among the 
Indians, which seemed to take her by surprise. We 
left all our animals with Burns, except two riding 
horses and two pack mules. 

The agent who employed us offered to pay us a cer- 
tain salary, besides all our expenses, and give us in 
addition a one third interest in what mines we might 
discover. He was to pay also the entire expense of 
working any mine that we found, which proved valu- 
able. When we arrived at the mountains we com- 
menced prospecting as soon as we had pitched our 
camp. The next day I discovered a silver ledge, which 
I deemed valuable, and, according to custom and regu- 
lation, I posted up a notice to cover the claim in be- 
half of the New York company. We remained in this 
vicinity three months, and during that time discovered 
and marked fourteen ledges of different metals, viz. : 
gold, silver, and lead, one of which had a trace of 
quicksilver. 

On our return to Yisalia, the nearest county seat to 
the mountains, we had these ledges recorded in the 
name of the New York company, reserving for our- 
selves a one-third interest. Then we returned to our 
friend Burns and the settlement of our new friends, the 
emigrants, on the San Joaquin. 

The agency of the New York company was in San 
Francisco, and as Jones was pretty well used up he 
desired me to go and report there what we had done. 



ANOTHER PARTNER MARRIED. 457 

I went by boat to San Francisco, showed my specimens 
at the company' s office, where they were assayed, and 
pronounced equal to the average California mines. They 
informed me that their company had purchased a large 
interest in the Washoe mines, which had proved worth- 
less, and in consequence their company had become 
insolvent ; but that in a short time a new company 
would be formed out of the ruins of the old one, with 
plenty of capital, when they would examine the ledges 
we had discovered. 

I told them that did not suit me at all, and I wanted 
the privilege of selling out to other parties, if they 
could not pay me, and also to go on with mining ac- 
cording to agreement. They finally said if I would 
wait a month, if at the end of that time they were not 
in shape to comply with my terms, they would release 
me from the contract and allow me to sell out to any 
other parties. I agreed to this, and went back to my 
friend Burns, where I waited a month, and then re- 
ceived from the agents of the company a communica- 
tion releasing me from the contract, and making over 
to Jones and myself all their interest in the mines. 
After consultation with Jones about the matter, I 
found that he was quite indifferent about working the 
mines with me, on our own account, for he said he had 
been prospecting nearer home, and had found a Texan 
widow who was quite willing to marry him, and he said 
he thought he had better settle down on a farm with 
her and go to raising mules and horses. This was the 
same widow that had offered herself to me as a partner 
on a former occasion. The result was that they were 
soon married and settled on a farm near our friend 
Burns. This was the third partner I had lost by 
matrimony. 



458 A VISIT TO THE COMANCHES. 

Feeling desolate and forsaken, I concluded to take 
up one hundred and sixty acres of land near my 
friends, which I covered by land warrants, received for 
services under Colonel Doniphan, and which I still 
hold, considering it my home. On the land I erected 
a comfortable house, and put some stock on the place, 
hiring a family to occupy the house and take charge of 
the farm. 

I then resolved to make another visit to my 
Comanche friends, and, bidding my old comrades 
adieu, started with one horse and a pack mule across 
the White Mountains through the Apache country, 
heading for Alberquerque in New Mexico, thence east- 
erly to Little Red river between New Mexico and 
Texas, where, from my knowledge of Comanche habits, 
I might hope to find some of them at this season of the 
year. I soon struck a trail of a Comanche war-party 
returning from a raid into Mexico, and, finding it 
fresh, followed it up until I arrived at the camping 
ground of the nation, where I was warmly received by 
my old friends and relations, and found that no great 
change had taken place since my last visit. I stayed 
for some weeks with them enjoying the hunting and 
feasting, and will here describe some feats of horse- 
manship which I have omitted in the previous chap- 
ters. 

There is one warlike feat in which all the Comanche 
warriors are trained from their infancy. As the man 
is dashing along with his horse at full speed, he will 
suddenly drop over the side of his horse, leaving no 
part of his person visible, except the sole of one foot, 
which is fastened over the horse's back, as a purchase 
by which he can pull himself to an upright position. 
In this attitude he can ride for any distance, and, more- 



COMANCHES AND THEIR HORSES. 459 

over, can use with deadly effect either his bow or 
fourteen-foot lance. One of their favorite modes 
of attack is to gallop towards the enemy at full 
speed, and then, just before they come within range, 
they drop upon the opposite side of their horses, dash 
past the foe, and pour upon him a shower of arrows 
directed under their horses' necks, and sometimes even 
thrown under their bellies. All the time it is nearly 
useless for the enemy to return the shots,. as the whole 
body of the Comanche is hidden behind the horse, and 
there is nothing to aim at save the foot just projecting 
over the animal's back. 

Sometimes the Comanches try to steal upon their 
enemies by leaving their lances behind them, slinging 
themselves along the sides of their steeds, and ap- 
proaching carelessly, as though they were nothing but 
a troop of wild horses without riders. A quick eye is 
needed to detect this ruse, which is generally betrayed 
by the fact that the horses always keep the same side 
towards the spectator, which would very seldom be the 
case were they wild and unrestrained in their move- 
ments. Every Comanche has one favorite horse, which 
he never mounts, except for war or the chase, using an 
inferior animal upon ordinary occasions. Swiftness is 
the chief quality for which the charger is selected, and 
for no price would the owner part with his favorite 
steed. Like all uncivilized people, he treats his horse 
with a strange mixture of cruelty and kindness. While 
engaged in the chase, for example, he spurs and whips 
the animal most ruthlessly ; but as soon as he returns, 
he carefully hands over his valued animal to his 
women, who are waiting to receive it, and who treats it 
as if it were a cherished member of the family. 

The mode in which the Indians supply themselves 
30 



460 *. LASSOING HOKSES. 

with horses is worth a brief description. In varions 
parts of the country the horses have completely accli- 
matized themselves, and have run free for many years, 
so that they have lost all traces of domestication, and 
have become as truly wild as the buffalo or antelope, 
assembling in large herds, headed by the strongest and 
swiftest animals. 

It is from these herds that the Indians supply them- 
selves with the horses which of late years have become 
absolutely necessary to them ; and in most cases are 
captured in fair chase after the following manner. 
When a Comanche wishes to catch a fresh horse, he 
mounts his best steed and goes in search of the nearest 
herd. When he has come as near as he can without 
being discovered, he dashes at the herd at full speed, 
and, singling out one of the horses, as it gallops along, 
hampered by the multitude of its companions, throws 
his lasso over its neck. As soon as the noose has firm- 
ly settled, the hunter leaps off his own steed (which is 
trained to remain standing upon the same spot until it 
is wanted,) and allows himself to be dragged on by the 
affrighted animal, which soon falls, in consequence of 
being choked by the leathern cord. When the horse 
has fallen the hunter comes cautiously up, keeping the 
lasso tight enough to prevent the animal from fairly re- 
covering its breath, and loose enough to guard against 
its entire strangulation, and at last is able to place one 
hand over its eyes, and the other on its nostrils. The 
horse is now at his mercy. In order to impress upon 
the animal the fact of its servitude, he hobbles together 
its fore-feet for a time, and fastens a noose to its lower 
jaw ; but within a wonderfully short period he is able 
to remove the hobbles, and to ride the conquered ani- 
mal into camp. During the time occupied in taming 



CEEASING HOESES. 461 

the horse, it plunges and struggles in the wildest man- 
ner ; but after this one struggle it yields the point, and 
becomes the willing slave of its conqueror. 

The rapidity with which this operation is completed 
is really wonderful. An experienced hunter is able to 
chase, capture, and break a wild horse within an hour, 
and to do his work so effectually that almost before its 
companions are out of sight the hitherto wild animal 
is being ridden as if it had been born in servitude. 
The native hunter, cruel master though he generally is, 
takes special care not to dampen the spirit of his horse, 
and prides himself on the bounds and curvets which 
the creature makes when it receives its master upon its 
back. 

There is only one drawback to this mode of hunting. 
It is impossible to capture with the lasso the best and 
swiftest specimens. These animals always take com- 
mand of the herd, and place themselves at its head. 
They seem to assume the responsibility as well as the 
position of leaders, and, as soon as they fear danger, 
dart off at full speed, knowing that the herd will follow 
them. Consequently they are often half a mile or more 
in advance of their followers, so that the hunter has no 
chance of overtaking them on a horse impeded by the 
weight of a rider. 

A new method of horse-taking has been invented 
since the introduction of fire-arms. This is called 
" creasing," and is done in the following manner. 
Taking his rifle with him, the hunter creeps as near the 
herd as he can, and watches till he fixes on a horse 
that he thinks will suit him. Waiting till the animal 
is standing with its side towards him, he aims carefully 
at the top of the neck and fires. If the aim be correct, 
the bullet just grazes the neck, and the horse falls as 



462 DISADVANTAGES OF CREASING. 

if dead, stunned for the moment by the shock. It re- 
covers within a very short time ; but before it has re- 
gained its feet, the hunter is able to come up with the 
prostrate animal, hobble, and secure it. 

This is a very effectual method of horse-catching, 
but it is not in favor with those who want horses for 
their own riding, because it always breaks the spirit of 
the animal, and deprives him of that fire and animation 
which the native warrior prizes so highly. The horses 
that are generally brought into settlements to sell are 
those that are obtained by " creasing." Experienced 
purchasers, however, do not care much about such ani- 
mals. Creasing is, moreover, liable to two disadvan- 
tages. The hunter is equally in danger of missing his 
mark altogether, in which case the whole herd dashes 
off, and gives no more chances to the hunter ; or of 
striking too low, in which case the horse is killed on the 
spot. I once killed a splendid stallion in this manner, 
the ball going an inch below the right spot. 

After a few weeks of these diversions with the tribe, 
my old restlessness returned, impelling me once more 
to set out for California. I therefore bade my friends 
adieu, and taking advantage of the departure of a war 
party whose route would take me some way on the 
road I wished to travel, I started with them and ac- 
companied them to a place near Paso del Norte, where 
I parted from them to pursue my lonely path through 
Arizona, by way of Mesilla and Prescott, passing 
through the Apache country without having my hair 
''lifted" by those enterprising and peaceful savages. 
This might be owing to their forbearance, but possibly, 
my own vigilance contributed somewhat to that result. 
I reached San Bernadino, a Mormon settlement in Los 
Angeles county, California, thence took a north direc- 



AID TO MEXICAN SHEPHEEDS. 463 

tion by what is called the coast range to Fort Tejon. 
Upon arriving at what is called Tejon mountain, I laid 
by for a few days to recrnit my animals, who were 
pretty well worn out. While there I lived among sev- 
eral Mexican shepherds who kept large flocks of sheep 
and goats, and learning that they were tronbled by 
the nightly visits of a grizzly bear who loved mntton, 
'*not wisely, bnt too well,'' I offered to rid them of 
him. We bnilt a scaffold near the scene of his depre- 
dations, and, placing a sheep convenient for him, I 
took np my position on the platform at nightfall and 
waited for him. In an hour or two he made his ap- 
pearance, and commenced his supper, but a shot from 
my rifle disturbed his repast and disquieted him very 
much. A second shot restored his tranquility, by 
taking away his breath, and the shepherds were en- 
abled in a measure to get square with him upon the 
mutton account, by making a feast of him. After re- 
maining with these hospitable people eight days, I re- 
turned to my home in Tulare county. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

A SHORT time after my return from my visit to the 
Comanches, I was sent for by the commander at 
Fort Tejon to act as guide for a surveying party to be. 
sent by order of the United States government to ex- 
plore the route across the desert from the Sierra Neva- 
das to Fort Mohave, Arizona. I had thus officiated 
once before and did not relish the job, though I finally 
accepted it. I told Colonel Allen of the fort and the 
chief engineer that the country was not worth explor- 
ing, and that there would be great danger of suffering 
on the route from scarcity of water and forage. The 
surveys had to be made, they said, any way, and with 
a party of twenty -four we succeeded in reaching Fort 
Mohave after enduring some hardships and abandon- 
ing one of our wagons, which was afterwards re- 
covered. 

While at the fort I met some of the tribe of Indians 
who had formerly held in captivity the Mexican girl 
who was married to Burns, and they recognized me as 
the man who had taken her away from them. These 
Indians had become friendly, and had settled on a res- 
ervation near the fort. They inquired after the girl, 
and I gave them the particulars of her marriage to my 
friend Burns. They could not be reconciled, however, 
to my taking away the girl so summarily, especially 
complaining of that shot of mine which killed the 
leader' s horse, and said they considered me a bad man. 
On the return the surveying party took a southerly 



AN EX-ROBBER. 465 

route, heading for San Diego, through the coast moun- 
tain range, which route was comparatively pleasant, 
abounding in game, plenty of water, &c. We went to 
San Francisco, where I was paid off, and remained a 
while at the Eldorado hotel. 

While in the city I met, one evening, Doctor Perfon- 
ton, who was years before connected with a noted gang 
of robbers, but who now was residing in the city and ed- 
iting a paper, mainly devoted to scandal. Our interview 
was not pleasant for the following reasons. Many 
years before, when his band of thieves were at the 
height of their power, robbing and murdering indis- 
criminately, I had the pleasure of assisting in the ex- 
termination of the band. A rich Mexican merchant, 
named Charvis, was on his way from New Mexico to 
St. Louis with a train of wagons and a large amount 
of money, for the purpose of purchasing goods. The 
train was met by this gang of Perfonton's on the 
plains, at a place known as cow creek, and, excepting 
Mr. Charvis and one of his teamsters, the whole party 
were brutally murdered. Mr. Charvis was spared a 
short time to make him disclose where the money was 
concealed, and after the money was found he was mur- 
dered also. The teamster, who escaped, made his way 
to Fort Leavenworth, where he reported the massacre 
and obtained a party of soldiers to go in pursuit. I 
happened to be out hunting on the head waters of the 
Pawnee Fork, with a party from Bent' s Fort, when the 
soldiers from the fort came along and told us of the 
destruction of the train ; and when they found that we 
J^new the country, requested us to go with them and 
assist in finding the murderers. 

After four days' search, aided by the teamster for a 
guide, we met this band of robbers, who little dreamed 



466 RECOLLECTIONS. 

of an attack by government troops. They attempted 
to escape, but I shot Perfonton's horse from under 
him, and a soldier shot one of the band named Asbury, 
when the party surrendered. The money was mostly 
recovered, over one hundred thousand dollars, and the 
robbers taken to St. Louis, tried and hung, with the 
exception of Doctor Perfonton, who escaped the gal- 
lows by turning state' s evidence, and was sent to the 
penitentiary, from which, after staying two years, he 
was pardoned. 

The money retaken from the robbers was given in 
charge to Colonel Owens, a friend of the Charvis fami- 
ly, who was a leading man of the Santa Fe trade. 
Colonel Owens went forward with the teams to St. 
Louis, purchased the goods, and sent back the train 
and property to Santa Fe, under the management of 
Doctor Conley of Booneville, Missouri. Charvis' s 
widow employed the doctor to sell out the goods and 
take charge of her property ; after a year or two they 
were married, and settled on one of the largest stock 
farms in New Mexico. Mr. Charvis was a man uni- 
versally respected, and the murder of himself and 
friends produced much excitement. Doctor Conley 
lived about eight years after his marriage, and left a 
son who is being educated in the college at Santa Clara, 
California. 

To return to my interview with Perfonton at the El- 
dorado Hotel, in San Francisco. When he saw me 
standing conversing with a party of gentlemen, he eyed 
me for some time ; and when a favorable opportunity 
presented, inquired if we had not met somewhere be- 
fore. I asked him if he remembered how I shot his 
horse on the plains after the murder of Charvis and 
party ; which caused him to turn deathly pale, and he 



SHEEP RAISING. 467 

begged me not to expose him. He said lie was now 
leading an honest life, and was managing the publica- 
tion of a paper. I told him to have no fears of my ex- 
posing him, so long as he behaved himself ; but should 
he pursue the opposite course, he might expect me to 
reveal his former character. I often met him after- 
wards in San Francisco, but he never was easy in my 
presence. He died in Oakland a few years ago, leav- 
ing a family ; and I am not aware that any one in those 
parts ever found out his true character or connection 
with the aforesaid murders. 

After remaining a short time in San Francisco, I re- 
turned to my friends Jones and Burns. Our Texan 
emigrants proved good neighbors, and were breaking 
their lands, putting in crops, &c. 

My farm in the vicinity, not being large enough for 
a stock ranche, I purchased land adjoining, and de- 
cided to stock it with sheep. A friend of mine living 
at some distance, sent me word to come and see him 
about sheep, as he had nearly four thousand head, and 
circumstances compelled him to offer me a part of them 
on shares. I agreed to take two thousand to care for, 
and give him half the wool and half the increase, re- 
turning him also the original number at the end 
of two years. The first season scarcely any rain fell 
in that section, and I was obliged to take them to 
the Sierra Nevada mountains and hire them pastured 
in order to keep them alive. When the rainy sea- 
son came on I got the sheep back to the San Joaquin 
valley, where I kept them till the two years had ex- 
pired, when on settlement with Mr. Caruthers, I had 
about two thousand head of sheep and lambs for my 
share. 

Leaving my flocks in the care of my uncle and 



468 A FRIEND IN TROUBLE. 

proper herdsmen, I have since been employed in vari- 
ous trips over that country. One of these trips was 
as guide with a Mr. Ray, over the Sierra Nevadas, with 
a large flock of sheep which he was taking to Virginia 
Gity, Nevada. We started the first of July, and the 
fourth, at night, while camped under a large old syca- 
more tree, a heavy shock of an earthquake rattled the 
large limbs down upon us, killing Mr. Ray and wound- 
ing two of the Mexican shepherds. Mr. Ray' s son, 
who was sleeping near his father, was uninjured, and I 
escaped with a few bruises ; but one of our wagons 
with provisions was nearly wrecked. I returned to 
Poterville (Mr. Ray' s residence) with his body, in com- 
pany with his son. The sheep were left in care of the 
servants who were acting as shepherds, till our return, 
then we proceeded onward toward Virginia City, and I 
left them, when they got over the mountains and could 
do without my services. 

On my return home, I took a new route, through the 
mountains, passing a mining camp at what was called 
Green Horn settlement, where I had a friend Eugene, a 
Frenchman, who kept a miner' s store. He was glad to 
see me, as he had been robbed the night before of four 
thousand dollars worth of gold dust by a band of four 
robbers, who had made their escape ; and he offered 
me one thousand dollars reward for the recovery of the 
property. I raised a party of eight men and followed 
them. About thirty miles from the settlement they 
had stolen some stage horses from a station, and one 
hundred and fifty dollars in money from the proprie- 
tor.* Then they had gone on to Walker's pass, at In- 
dian Wells, and stolen more horses. Here we were in- 
formed that the thieves were pretty drunk when they 
left that place. We tracked them to a place called 



CAPTUKE OF A THIEF. 469 

Desert Springs, where they had robbed a house of sev- 
en hundred dollars, and a gold watch belonging 
to a lady. Continuing on their track we came up 
with the rascals, where they had stopped for rest 
over night ; and when they saw us they opened fire 
on our party, killing one of our horses. We re- 
turned their fire, killing three of them. We cap- 
tured the other one, and recovered all the stolen 
property. 

We returned with our prisoner, taking the same route 
we had come over, in order to restore the stolen prop- 
erty to the rightful owners. At Desert springs we re- 
turned the watch to the lady ; and the seven hundred 
dollars to the owner, Mr. Johnson, and a pair of fine 
horses they had taken from him ; and he in gratitude 
made us a present of two hundred dollars. So we 
proceeded homeward, returning to each sufferer their 
property they had been robbed off, till we arrived at 
Green Horn settlement, where we restored the four 
thousand dollars in gold dust to the Frenchman, who 
was made perfectly happy by our success, and paid us 
the one thousand dollars reward. 

Our arrival with the prisoner was soon noised abroad, 
and while we were eating supper with Eugene, and giv- 
ing our miserable horse thief the last food he 
would ever taste, of crackers, &c, in the store, 
where we had him securely bound and guarded, we 
were disturbed by cries from a mob outside of, " Bring 
out the robber," "Hang him," and soon they found 
him, got a rope about his neck, dragged him to 
the nearest tree, where they hung him up and left 
him. 

He said before being hung that he belonged to a re- 
spectable family, but bad company in Virginia City, 



470 DECIDE TO SETTLE DOWN*. 

Nevada, had proved his ruin. He was short of money 
there, when he was approached by his three late com- 
panions, (one of whom was only sixteen years old,) 
and invited to join them in their travels, which he con- 
sented to, as they had plenty of money, and offered 
him all he wished. He said the sixteen year old boy 
we had killed in his party, was the worst character in 
the lot, being perfectly desperate, and urging the rest 
on to murder and robbery. 

This desperado was, in some respects, like many 
others I have seen executed under similar circum- 
stances. No matter how perfectly recklessly they may 
have exposed their lives in their raids and fights, many 
of them, when they saw the rope and rude gallows for 
their execution, would cry and beg for their lives to be 
spared, as earnestly as a woman. 

From this settlement I returned to my place in Tu- 
lare county, and made up my mind to attend to the 
business of stock raising, leaving the wild, roving, ad- 
venturous life I had led for so many years, for it hard- 
ly paid to be exposing my life to hunt for gold or rob- 
bers. At all events, at my period of life it certainly 
seemed safer to settle in Tulare county and take care 
of my stock, which was rapidly increasing, and need- 
ed my attention. 

After coming to this conclusion, I spent several 
months in selecting and purchasing cattle for the 
San Francisco market. I was also often employed 
by large stock raisers in that vicinity, in lassoing and 
catching wild cattle, for branding, and for the mar- 
ket. My old experience with the lasso was of great 
service in this line of business ; for no wild bullock 
could escape me when I had a good horse and a 
good lasso. 



STOPPING A EUM¥AY TEAM. 471 

On one occasion, being ont on the plain a few miles 
from Visalia, I saw a carriage containing a lady and 
her two daughters going at a tremendous rate towards 
a rough, stumpy piece of land, where the timber had 
been cut off ; and seeing at a glance that their horses 
had become frightened, and had left the road, I put 
spurs to my horse and galloped near them, when I 
threw my lasso over the near horse's head. This 
stopped the carriage just in time to prevent them from 
going to destruction among the stumps a few rods be- 
fore them. 

The ladies were much alarmed, and told me how 
their horses became frightened by some object in the 
road, and desired me to drive them into Yisalia, which 
I did, after fastening my horse behind their carriage. 
On driving them to their residence in the town, I dis- 
covered that they were the wife and daughters of Mr. 
Douglass, one of the leading merchants of Yisalia. 
The husband and father, when he heard of the danger 
they had been in, and had escaped from only by 
my hand, was very much moved and wished to make 
me a present, in token of his gratitude. This I de- 
clined, telling him I never considered myself entitled 
to any reward for aiding, or saving the life of any one 
in danger. I was abundantly rewarded for this act by 
the friendship of Mr. Douglass, as ever since that time 
he has been one of the best friends I have had in Cali- 
fornia. 

In the San Joaquin valley there are numerous settle- 
ments, and many towns of considerable size ; but oc- 
casionally in that country a wild animal will appear 
that seems a connecting link with the period before the 
country became settled. On one occasion I was out 
lassoing cattle with a Mexican, and had no arms, ex- 



472 CATCHING AN ELK. 

cept a butcher knife. On Teturning homeward I came 
in contact with a stray elk, which I made up my mind 
to capture. He was a tough customer, with horns 
spreading near six feet ; and when I rode up to him he 
looked quite savage and showed fight as soon as I 
threw my lasso over his horns, bringing him to a stand 
still. He was running when I threw him, but on re- 
gaining his feet he made for me and my horse, present- 
ing a frightful appearance, his hair all turned the 
wrong way, and in his rush grazed the horse with his 
horns. My Mexican friend caught him with his lasso 
by the hind feet, when the elk was thrown to the 
ground. My trained horse kept my lasso tight on the 
animal's horns, while the Mexican held him by his 
hind feet, giving me a chance to dismount and cut his 
throat, which was a good job, considering the fleetness 
of such animals and the difficulty of their capture. 
This elk was of large size, and his horns I preserved 
and still keep them at my ranche, near Visalia, as a 
memento of a desperate struggle with an elk, and an 
ornament over my doorway to show to visitors who 
happen to call upon me. 

Among other employments I engaged to fill a sub- 
contract for three hundred and fifty head of cattle for 
a beef contractor for Fort Tejon, to receive my pay 
when the contract was filled. I was successful in this 
undertaking, and made money on the job, satisfying 
all the parties concerned and supplying good beef. 
After this I returned to my ranche and made some 
heavy purchases of sheep for the San Francisco mar- 
ket, which ventures always proved profitable. In that 
vicinity it is an easy matter to collect a few thousand 
sheep, as there are many stock raisers that can spare 
from five hundred to one thousand, and scarcely miss 



mm 



% 



SHEEP SPECULATIONS. 



473 



them. I sold my sheep in San Francisco to wholesale 
purchasers, and might have built up a prosperous 
trade if I had remained at the business, but circum- 
stances prevented me. 




31 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

I FIND, on looking over the proof sheets of the fore- 
going pages, that by some means I have omitted to 
give an account of some of my adventures, which I 
think will prove of interest to the reader, and have 
thought best to give them in a chapter by themselves 
without regard to the time or order in which they hap- 
pened. 

At one time I was in Zacatecas, out of employment, 
and looking for a job, when the agent of a company 
running stages from that place to Agua Calientes, some 
seventy miles distant, wished to engage me as a driver 
of one of their stages, for a short time, till they could 
fill the vacancy caused by the death of one of their 
drivers. This route was infested by thieves, and rob- 
beries of the stage and passengers were quite frequent. 
I remained in this employment about five months, dur- 
ing which time the stage was robbed several times by 
armed Mexicans. So long as the drivers did not ex- 
pose the robbers, their lives were safe enough ; but in 
case of exposure their death was certain, — in conse- 
quence of which the driver' s policy was to keep silent. 

For several weeks my stage was not attacked, but 
then came a series of robberies. First a priest and 
several students were on their way to the city of Mex- 
ico, as passengers, and they had considerable money 
in their possession. Before leaving Zacatecas the stu- 
dents procured three or four bottles of brandy, which 
they used rather freely, and after going a few miles 



STAGE ROBBEEIES. 475 

they remarked that the route was infested with rob- 
bers, but being well armed, they told me they feared 
no danger. From their hilarious manner I inferred 
that they rather courted an attack, and told them to 
be on the alert, for they would all need their weapons, 
provided the robbers should pounce upon us suddenly. 
After changing horses at the second station from Zaca- 
tecas and proceeding some three miles from that point, 
sixteen robbers made their appearance at the side of 
the road and rushed upon the stage, calling upon me 
to halt and deliver what was valuable in the stage. 

I halted without waiting for the argument of 
a rifle ball, when the robbers pointed their guns into 
the stage windows and ordered the passengers to surren- 
der their valuables. The brave young students turned 
white as sheets, and, instead of using their pistols, gave 
up every thing demanded, even to their loose clothing. 

One of the robbers remarked that it was too bad to 
rob the priest. Among the party was a small Cas- 
tilian, who appeared to be their leader, who said the 
priests were the very ones he preferred to rob, as they 
got their money easy ; and he would have no conscien- 
tious scruples about robbing an angel if he got a 
chance. He made the priest hand over his money, 
watch, medal, and all his clothes, except his shirt and 
drawers. The robbers espying the brandy bottles, 
drank up the liquor, and said it was the best party they 
had struck for some time. They then ordered me to 
proceed, cautioning me to keep perfectly still about the 
matter, or I should forfeit my life 

We then went forward, and for several miles I did 
not hear a word from my nearly naked passengers. 
When I looked back on them they were gazing into 
each other's faces in mute astonishment. I ventured 



476 ROBBERY OF A MULE TRAIN. 

finally to remark that their feelings must have changed 
somewhat in regard to guerrillas, and politely asked 
them why they did not shoot the robbers, as I had 
heard them say they should do if attacked. Their ex- 
cuses were various ; but the truth was they were no 
exception to the rule I have found general, that all 
braggarts are arrant cowards when danger overtakes 
them. On our arrival at the end of my route, I was 
obliged to drive the stage to the rear of the stage house 
to enable the passengers to reach a room by a private 
way so they could procure some clothing before ap- 
pearing in public. 

The same evening I met some of the party of robbers 
in the billiard room of the hotel. They spoke to me, 
asking if I wanted any money, offering me plenty if I 
would accept ; saying, that if I kept quiet all would 
be well, but otherwise I should be assassinated forth- 
with. I refused to take any of their ill-gotten gains ; 
but not wishing to offend them, I excused myself by 
telling them I was well supplied. 

A short time after this a conductor of a mule train 
started from Zacatecas for Tampico with half a million 
dollars worth of silver, having a large escort to guard 
the treasure. When about fifty miles from Zacatecas, 
they were attacked by one hundred and sixty-five rob- 
bers, and during the fight eleven of the troops of the 
escort and seven of the robbers were killed. The 
troops were defeated and escaped, but sent back to 
Zacatecas for assistance. The silver was packed on 
mules and the robbers started the train for the moun- 
tains to secure the treasure. About five hundred cav- 
alry were despatched from Zacatecas to overtake the 
robbers, and recover possession of the train. When 
the troops came in sight of the robbers they found them 






ENGLISHMEN IN DANGER. 477 

halted at the foot of the mountain. When they saw 
the cavalry in pursuit they cut open a part of the sil- 
ver sacks and scattered it over the ground, then hur- 
ried up the mountain side, fleeing in all directions. 
As the troops came to the silver strewn on the ground, 
they dismounted from their horses and commenced a 
general scramble to gather it up, thus giving time for 
the robbers to get away with most of the treasure. Be- 
fore the officers could rally the troops, the robbers had 
arranged for their defense in a narrow pass in the moun- 
tains, where they resisted the advance of the cavalry 
successfully, obliging them to give up the chase and 
return without the silver they had saved, and it was 
never recovered. 

The stage I drove was attacked a second time on the 
route in a secluded, desolate spot, by a dozen or more 
robbers. In the stage were nine Englishmen, with sev- 
eral thousand dollars in their possession. They were 
well armed, with guns and pistols, and when the rob- 
bers appeared and ordered me to halt, with their guns 
pointed towards me, I held up ; but the Englishmen 
told me to drive on or they would shoot me, which 
placed me in no enviable position. I kept on till the 
one of the lead horses was shot, which so entangled 
the team that I was obliged to stop, and one ball pene- 
trated the rubber cloth in front of me, doing no other 
damage. The Englishmen now jumped from the 
stage, shot one robber dead, wounded another, and 
killed or disabled two of their horses ; after this warm 
reception the robbers fled in haste. I could not help 
noticing how differently those Englishmen conducted 
themselves in danger, from the way the bragging Mex- 
icans had done, when my stage was attacked on a for- 
mer occasion. I had heard them make no boasts of 



478 A CONFESSION. 

what they would do if attacked, nor express any de- 
sire to see the band that would dare attack them ; but 
although they said little, when the time came, they 
acted. 

The Englishmen took the wounded man prisoner, 
and prepared to hang him if he did not confess who 
his companions were. He was drawn up three times 
before he would make any confession. He finally said 
the whole band was composed of more than a hundred 
men, giving many of their names. We took him along 
to the next station and handed him over to the authori- 
ties, who sent him back to Zacatecas. He confessed 
that the chief clerk of the stage route was one of their 
party, and had kept the band posted in regard to the 
shipment of valuables, or the transit of money. After 
the arrest of this wounded man the clerk suddenly dis- 
appeared with about sixty thousand dollars which was 
in the stage house. 

The wounded man made these confessions on condi- 
tion of his life being spared. His arm was amputated 
and good medical attendance secured. He told of 
money buried in different places. In an old mine was 
found a sack containing ten thousand dollars, which 
was let down the shaft by a rope. He informed us of 
a house in Zacatecas, where was found a large quanti- 
ty of plunder, such as clothing, watches, jewelry, sad- 
dles, blankets, &c, which the gang had there secreted, 
the house being in the outskirts of the city, and the 
front part used as a drinking saloon kept by one of 
their party. The authorities took this property and 
hung the keeper of the den with a number of his con- 
federates. I now resigned my occupation of stage dri- 
ver, telling the company that it was too dangerous to 
suit me. They tried to have me continue, offering me 



A THIEVING COMMUNITY. 479 

large pay ; but I positively refused to stay longer. 
When the wounded man had recovered from his ampu- 
tation, the first time he ventured into the street he was 
assassinated by one of his old companions. 

From the wild, rough nature of some of the moun- 
tain districts east of Zacatecas, it is easy for organized 
bands of robbers to secrete all the booty they can cap- 
ture, and many a train of mules, loaded with silver 
from the mines in the interior, has been waylaid and 
robbed on its way to the city of Mexico, or to the 
coast. 

There was a little mountain village called Xerez to 
the west of Zacatecas, where the inhabitants, almost to 
a man, including the priest, were concerned in rob- 
bery or in the concealment of stolen property, and got 
their living by this means. Nature had furnished them 
with admirable facilities for defense, as the only ap- 
proach to the village was by a narrow, crooked path 
or trail, running in some places directly under ledges 
of rock, towering above hundreds of feet, so that the 
roadway was easily obstructed ; and if a party persist- 
ed in pursuit, they could roll down heavy rocks upon 
their pursuers. A party of soldiers who were once 
following a band of robbers' through this narrow pass 
were almost annihilated by the masses of rock which 
came crashing down from the heights above. 

At one time, while in the employ of an English min- 
ing company at Durango, I came near losing my life by 
the treachery of supposed friends. I had been sent in 
charge of a pack train, with an escort composed of a 
Mexican sergeant and fifteen soldiers, to one of the 
company' s mines at Guadaloupe-y-Calvo, to bring in 
seventy -five thousand dollars worth of metal. When 
we were ready to start on our return trip, a party of 



480 ATTEMPTED TREACHERY. 

English and American miners who were about to leave 
the mines for Durango, proposed to accompany me. 
To this arrangement I consented, after having ascer- 
tained that they were honest men. When we had ac- 
complished about half the distance, and were en- 
camped for the night, a Mexican boy, who acted as my 
servant, warned me privately of a plot between the 
sergeant and the troops to kill me and the English and 
Americans, with a view of stealing the treasure. I im- 
mediately informed the English and Americans (who 
were all armed, ) that our lives were in danger from a 
set of vagabond traitors, who had conspired against us, 
and asked if they would assist me in conquering them, 
to which they readily consented. 

The soldiers were at some distance from us, cooking 
supper, with their guns stacked ; and we approached 
them familiarly, in such a way that their suspicions 
were not excited, till they saw us surround the stacks 
of arms, and then it was too late. We fired into them, 
killing two, when we secured and bound the others, 
hand and foot. We then sent the boy to a mining 
town, ten miles distant, for help. The magistrate came 
with twenty -five men to our assistance, and sent the 
train forward under their protection to Durango. 
When we arrived with our prisoners they were tried, 
and the sergeant and corporal were hung, the others 
being sentenced to labor on the streets five years, with 
ball and chain attached to their ankles. The Mexican 
boy told the truth, for they confessed their crime, and 
he was rewarded by the company with a present of 
five hundred dollars. 

I was sent at another time to one of the company's 
mines at Bueno Sara, with a pack train of ten mules, 
besides seven mounted friends to assist me and for pro- 



A NOVEL BARRICADE. 481 

tection. Our business was to get an English lady and 
her daughter, with their baggage, and bring them to 
Durango, where her husband was awaiting her. On 
our return from the mine to Durango, while we were 
crossing a plain, where there was no shelter of any kind 
for the ladies, we were attacked by about forty 
Apaches. We saw the Indians coming towards us, 
when they were quite a distance away, and, as we had 
no natural shelter, it became necessary to devise an ar- 
tificial one. The baggage was hastily removed from 
the mules, when they were cast and their feet securely 
tied. This served a double purpose, as it effectually 
prevented a stampede and enabled us to use them for 
purposes of shelter. The cast mules and baggage were 
arranged in a circle, within which we placed ourselves, 
and behind this novel breastwork we awaited the at- 
tack of the Indians. When they charged upon us, 
they were entirely exposed to our fire, while we, by 
keeping close to the mules and baggage, could not be 
harmed by their arrows. When they came within 
range, we opened fire on them, and killed several, be- 
side wounding some of their animals, when they re- 
treated, carrying their dead and wounded with them. 
None of our party were injured, but we had two mules 
killed. Our singular breastwork had saved our lives, 
and we resumed our journey and arrived safely at 
Durango. 

The lady' s husband, Mr. Mclntire, gave us a hearty 
reception, and was much astonished to hear of our 
perilous adventure with the Indians. He said he never 
would have thought of such a means of defense, and I 
hardly think he would, for he was an assayer at the 
mint and did not know anything about fighting In- 
dians ; but he did know how to order a splendid sup- 



482 COMIC BULL EIGHTS. 

per for us, and he afterwards made me a present of five 
hundred dollars, saying he considered he was indebted 
to me for the preservation of the lives of his wife and 
daughter. 

At the annual fair at San Juan de los Lagos, which 
I attended in the latter part of the year 1841, (see page 
78, where the place is called San Juan,) among the va- 
rious amusements were several bull-fights, some of 
which were very ludicrous, and as I am not aware that 
they have ever been mentioned in any book of travel, 
I will give a description of one of them here. In the 
center of the arena a greased pole was erected, the top 
of which was crowned with sundry prizes of money 
and clothing, very tempting to the poorer " Greasers" 
who were welcome to take them down, while at the 
same time a wild bull was at liberty to enjoy himself 
in the arena by knocking them down. A considerable 
number of Mexicans went for the coveted goods, and 
the bull, as was his privilege, went for them. Some- 
times the " Greasers" would succeed, by clustering 
around the pole and climbing upon each others' shoul- 
ders, in nearly reaching the prizes, when the bull would 
make a wild rush at the lower strata of struggling hu- 
manity, and knocking out the under pinning, of course 
the superstructure would descend with considerable 
more celerity than comfort, amid roars of laughter 
from the audience. By perseverance under difficul- 
ties, however, the top of the pole was at last reached 
by one of the contestants, and stripped of the prizes. 

The last bull that was brought into the ring had his 
horns sawed off, or blunted, and a string of silver coin 
upon a strong wire was fastened from one horn to the 
other, and anybody who chose and was smart enough 
could " take the bull by the horns " and help himself 



FIGHT WITH A GRIZZLY. 483 

to the money. Of course the animal objected to hav- 
ing any liberties taken with his head, and treated his 
persecutors with divers and sundry " horns" which 
" elevated" many of them in a surprising manner. 
Finally, by persistent worrying, they succeeded in get- 
ting hold of him in sufficient numbers to throw him 
down, and when the wire was wrested from his horns 
a funny scramble ensued for the possession of the 
money. All hands let go of the bull for that purpose, 
who regained his feet, and smarting under the indigni- 
ties which had been heaped upon him, executed sundry 
bull-rushes among the struggling crowd, knocking 
them right and left, and giving the Mexican silver a 
remarkably lively circulation. This was a rather 
rough sport, but was highly enjoyed by the spec- 
tators. 

At another time I was in New Mexico, stopping at 
the foot of the Taos Mountain, hunting with a party all 
through the mountains for game. We had many ad- 
ventures with bears, and one day I come near losing my 
life by a grizzly. I had shot a small deer and a wild 
turkey, and was proceeding to camp, when my favorite 
dog, which I had owned for some months, scented 
game in another direction and started for it. I followed 
him, and soon discovered two small bear cubs, which I 
foolishly fired on, without noticing the old she bear, 
which was close by. I wounded one of the cubs, when 
it commenced to cry, and the old one was upon me be- 
fore I could reload my rifle. In the tussle which en- 
sued, she struck me on the left leg, just at the knee. 
I had on a pair of strong buckskin pants, but her 
claws penetrated them and tore the tough leather-like 
cotton to the bottom of the leg, at the same time tear- 
ing my knee fearfully. All that saved me was my dog, 



484 A PET BEAK. 

who attacked the bear in the rear, when she turned 
around quickly and caught the dog, and nearly 
squeezed him to death. While the bear was thus en- 
gaged, I drew my tomahawk from my belt and settled 
it deep in her brains, killing her just in time to save 
the dog. The wounded cub I then despatched, and 
rolling the other in my hunting shirt, I made my way 
to camp, carrying him safely home. 

I succeeded in taming this cub, and in time he be- 
came a great pet, and was a general favorite with the 
hunters. As he grew up he showed remarkable intel- 
ligence and aptitude for tricks. I taught him to wrestle 
with me, and sit up at my order ; and he and my dog 
soon grew to be great friends, playing together by the 
hour ; but he would never tolerate any other dog near 
him, and once he split open the head of a strange dog 
who attempted to be too familiar with him. He would 
frequently accompany me and the dog on hunting ex- 
peditions ; but as he was fat he had to lag in the rear, 
going out, but when we turned toward home he would 
take the lead and keep it. On one such occasion I had 
become interested in the pursuit of game, and did not 
realize how late it was till it began to grow dark, when 
I found I was a long way from home. I started to re- 
trace my steps, but it was soon so dark I could not dis- 
cern the landmarks, and I commenced preparations for 
camping out till morning. I roticed the bear appeared 
very uneasy, going a short distance toward home, 
looking back, and then coming up to me. After this 
had been several times repeated, I decided to follow 
him, when he started in the direction of home, and 
continued his course, without the least hesitation, till 
he brought me there, apparently knowing the way as 
well in that pitchy darkness as by daylight. I called 



A CALIFORNIA LION. 485 

him "Cuff," and he knew and would answer to his 
name as well as any dog. I finally sold him for nine- 
ty-live dollars to Bensler & Kelly' s circus, which was 
traveling through New Mexico. 

A few months afterwards I lost my noble dog in a 
fight with a species of panther, or what is called in 
that country a California lion. This animal is not 
more than half the size of an African lion, but resem- 
bles it very much in some respects, the head and neck 
being shaggy and large and the body tapering small 
towards the tail ; it has also the same long claws and 
great strength of limb. 

I had become known all around Santa Fe as having 
been successful in several encounters with bears and 
other wild animals, and one day I had an invitation 
from a stock raiser to go with him to his ranche, some 
thirty miles from Santa Fe to track, and kill, if possi- 
ble, a California lion that had been destroying his 
small stock. I took along my dog, who was afraid of 
nothing, and very keen scented. After our arrival at 
the place, I had to wait several days for the panther to 
make his appearance so as to enable me to get a fresh 
trail. Finally he was seen early one morning in a pas- 
ture eating a small colt which he had killed. My dog 
was uncommonly large, and always ready for a fight, 
so in company with several friends, who followed with 
rifles to see the sport, the dog led the way, with me in 
close pursuit. The animal after eating all he could of 
the colt, had retired a few hundred yards to the brush, 
where he had lain down to sleep, and was awakened by 
the approach of the dog who was ready to spring on 
him. On seeing us so near, the savage brute under- 
took to escape, by climbing a tree ; but the dog caught 
him by the leg, and they rolled over on the ground, 



486 DEATH OF MY DOG. 

biting and tearing each other terribly, the dog having 
a firm hold upon the panther' s neck. At last the dog' s 
side was torn open by the long claws of the animal, 
just as I fired a charge into the head of the infuriated 
panther, which was a lucky shot, as he was just ready 
to turn upon me. 

The poor dog was too far gone for me to save him. I 
bound up his wounds as well as I could, and carried 
him back to the ranche, but he lived only a few mo- 
ments after reaching it. The neighborhood generally 
turned out to see the carcass of the animal I had shot, 
and sympathized with me in the loss of so noble a dog. 
After giving him a decent burial and receiving seventy- 
five dollars for my job, I returned to Santa Fe, feeling 
thankful for the preservation of my life, but gloomy at 
parting from the dog. In our hunting expeditions 
after this the dog was very much missed, as it was very 
unusual to find one that would attack as ferocious ani- 
mals as he would. 

At one time I was fortunate enough to win a small 
bet and rid a mining village of a bore, at the same 
time. There was in this village, as is usually the case, 
a small store, where the miners would get together af- 
ter their day' s work was over, and exchange stories 
and items of interest with each other. One of these 
parties was always talking of ghosts, and their appear- 
ance to men. I became tired of so much in the same 
strain from him, and determined to put a stop to his 
ridiculous talk. So one night, when he was in the 
midst of one of his tales, I very abruptly told him 
I did not believe his statement, nor in ghosts at all. 
This, it appeared afterwards, was just the statement 
he had been trying to get some one to make. So he 
appeared quite indignant at having his word doubt- 



A GHOST. 487 

ed, and offered to bet me five dollars that I could not 
walk around an old graveyard, which was back from 
the store some distance, without seeing a ghost and 
running from it. It was a dark night, but I concluded 
to accept his wager, and, staking our money, I started 
alone on my walk, with a man following some distance 
in the rear to see the result and note whether I made a 
circuit of the haunted yard. I secured a good cudgel 
at the start, and when about half way around the yard 
the ghost, sure enough, made his appearance. I 
stalked boldly up to it and pounded away till I made 
it cry murder and everything else calculated to bring 
assistance, till the arrival of help, when a lantern re- 
vealed the countenance of the man I had bet with. 
After giving him an extra blow or two I let him go, 
cautioning him to leave the place for good, or stop his 
ghost yarns. It cured him effectually of his attempts 
to sell people, and made him quit the neighborhood as 
soon as he got over his bruises. 



\ 



CONCLUSION. 

IN the foregoing pages I have endeavored to give an 
account of a portion of my adventures in a life of 
more than usual peril and excitement. I was induced 
to publish this account by the earnest recommendation 
of many friends. It has been written out, as I have 
had time, entirely from memory, as I never kept a 
diary of events, never thinking that I should publish 
my experiences. For this reason, I have been unable 
to give exact dates in all cases ; but as the object I had 
in view, was not to publish a history of the country 
where I have been, but to relate personal adventures, 
this will not prove, I hope, any drawback to the inter- 
est of the reader. As far as the narrative relates to my 
transactions, I have confined myself to the literal 
facts. 

In looking back over my life, I find that although I 
have not, perhaps, always obeyed the Golden Rule, 
yet it is a great satisfaction to me to think of the num- 
bers of my fellow beings I have been instrumental in 
saving from death and misery at the hands of savages, 
and from the horrors of starvation. 

And now, that my labors in this direction are com- 
pleted, I shall probably retire to my California home, 
and devote myself to stock raising. Hoping that this 
narrative may prove of interest to the reader, I will say 

— GOOD-BYE. 



48S 



